American freestyle legend whose three Olympic gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and consistent excellence across a decade of international competition established him as one of America's finest swimmers.
Rowdy Gaines is an American freestyle swimmer who dominated the event in the early 1980s, winning three gold medals at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. After years waiting for his Olympic opportunity due to boycotts and illness, his victories at LA were celebrated as one of swimming's most deserved triumphs. He later became one of swimming's most recognised television commentators.
Sprint freestyle and butterfly events, world records
How They Played
Explosive sprinter with exceptional starts and underwater technique
Lasting Impact
Swimming legend who overcame Olympic boycott to win three golds in 1984