Some thoughts of Rowdy Gaines
Rowdy Gaines
The Olympic Games have been the definition of competition for hundreds of years. And Rowdy Gaines has been the epitome of athletic success. He’s a gold medalist, a world record holder and a member of the swimming hall of fame. 3
During one four-year period, Gaines held eleven World Records and had the United States not boycotted 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, he would have been a favorite to win multiple medals at the event. After graduating from Auburn in 1981, he stopped swimming for several months, thinking he had missed his opportunity to be an Olympic medalist, but was urged to resume swimming by his father. When Gaines qualified at the 1984 Olympic trials his times were not particularly impressive and he was not expected to place at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. 2
Want more? Then get some from Learn-About-swicki.eurekster.com/Rowdy Gaines
Rowdy Gaines made the U.S. team in three events; the 100 meter freestyle, 400 meter freestyle relay, and 400 medley relay. Even after making the 1984 team, few gave Gaines a chance to medal. His times from the trials were good but not his best. He went into the 1984 Los Angles Olympics an underdog. It was a roll he relished. 6
Throughout the 1980s Rowdy Gaines was the fastest swimmer on the planet. His world records confirmed his place in swimming history. The Olympic Boycott of 1980 came during the peak of his career, when he set world records in the 100 and 200-meter freestyles and Swimming World Magazine voted him World Swimmer of the Year. He was predicted to win five Olympic gold medals in Moscow. 1
Although many believed him to be “washed-up” and “over-the-hill,” Gaines entered the 1984 Olympic trials at the age of 25. He made the U.S. team in three events: the 100 meter freestyle, the 400 meter freestyle relay and the 400 medley relay. His times from the trials were good but not his best, and he went into the 1984 Los Angles Olympics as an underdog. Gaines won individual Olympic gold in the 100 meter freestyle and anchored both U.S.A. He finally lived his dream on sports? greatest stage and officially retired from the sport of swimming. 5
Like most great athletes, Rowdy contemplated a comeback. He still had a top-10 world ranking in several freestyle events when he qualified for the 1996 Olympic Trials at the age of 35. A committed family man, Gaines decided not to compete in the games but instead chose to enter the broadcast booth as NBC?s Olympic Games Swimming commentator. It’s a role that has suited him well. NBC and USA Swimming were both excited to have his knowledge of swimming and asked him to commentate the 2000 Atlanta Olympics and the 2004 games in Athens. 7
But Gaines has the experience to back it up. He’s won three Olympic gold medals, holds 11 world records and is a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Talk about an athlete! 4
Want more from Learn-About-swicki.eurekster.com/Rowdy Gaines
