David Lee "Dave" Wharton (born May 19, 1969) is an American former competition swimmer, 1988 Olympic silver medalist, and former world record-holder in two events.

During his competition swimming career, Wharton set world records in both the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medley events.

While at Germantown, Wharton set National prep school records in the 200 IM and 500 freestyle at the 1986 Eastern Championships.

He received a silver medal for his second-place performance in the men's 400-meter individual medley, in which he recorded a time of 4:17.36 in the event final.

[9] Wharton later completed graduate school at The Ohio State University, working as their assistant swim coach.

He received a masters’ in sports management, and met Tammy Hunt, a member of the school’s synchro swim team, whom he would later marry.