James Paul Montgomery (born January 24, 1955) is an American former competition swimmer, four-time Olympic medalist, and former world record-holder.

Montgomery was the first man to break the 50-second barrier (49.99) in the 100-meter freestyle,[1] at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Quebec, where he won three gold medals and one bronze.

While swimming with the Badger Dolphins Club during summers, Jim credited his coach Jack Pettinger with greatly improving his speed and conditioning.

[7] From Yugoslavia in early September 1973, Montgomery went on to Indiana University, where he majored in Business, and swam for Hall of Fame Coach Doc Counsilman for four years.

[8] Considered the top student athlete in the Big Ten Conference, Jim was presented with the Belfour award in his Senior year at Indiana.

[13] He began teaching swim lessons in 2007, including a class to help adults get past their fear of water.