Our Olympians

Rowdy Gaines

Known throughout the early 1980's as the fastest swimmer on earth, Rowdy Gaines is one of America's favorite Olympians. At the peak of his career and heavily favored to win five gold medals at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, the U.S. boycott denied him that chance. At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, he was not expected to medal but instead capped his phenomenal career with three gold medals and two world records. His determination to compete in Los Angeles in 1984 and his continued success as "Swimming's Ambassador" mark Rowdy Gaines as one of the world's most dedicated, ambitious athletes and symbolize the American quest for more than gold.

Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist
Five-Time World Champion
11 - Time World Record Holder
Eight-Time Pan American Games Gold medalist
17 - Time National Champion
Eight-Time NCAA Champion
22 - Time NCAA All American
Commentator for CBS, TNT, ESPN and NBC
Executive Director, Rowdy's Kidz