She represented the United States as a 16-year-old at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where she received a bronze medal for her third-place performance in the women's 100-meter butterfly, finishing behind Australian Lyn McClements and fellow American Ellie Daniel.

[1][2] Shields was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, but moved to Louisville, Kentucky with her family at a young age.

[2] She retired from competition swimming after graduating from high school.

[2] She later earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Louisville, and has worked as a teacher and swim coach.

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