Melissa Louise Belote (born October 16, 1956) is an American former competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and former world record-holder in two events. She represented the United States at the 1972 Summer Olympics and 1976 Summer Olympics.
Belote was born in Washington, D.C. She grew up in Springfield, Virginia and attended Robert E. Lee High School in Fairfax County, Virginia.
At 15 years old, she won three gold medals at the 1972 Olympic Games. In the 100-meter backstroke, Belote defeated her American teammate and record holder Susie Atwood. In the 200-meter backstroke, Belote set a new world record of 2:19.19.
She retired from the sport in 1979, and was inducted in the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1983.
She currently coaches swim and dive at McClintock High School in Tempe, Arizona and coaches for Rio Salado Swim Team.