Chatfield won the gold medal in the 100-meter breaststroke at the 1971 Pan American Games.

He represented the United States as a 19-year-old at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.

He advanced to the event final of the men's 100-meter breaststroke, finishing fourth with a time of 1:06.1.

An accomplished Baroque and period musician, vocalist and composer, he played cello and was a countertenor.

He recounted how "he could never disclose his sexuality for fear of losing his spot on the team.