Gary Hall

Gary Hall, Jr. grew up in Arizona. His father was a butterfly and individual medley swimmer at the Summer Games in '68, '72, and '76, winning 2 silver medals and one bronze medal. Gary's dad was also the flag bearer for the U.S. during the opening ceremonies at the '76 Summer Games.

Gary started swimming competitively at age 13, and qualified to swim for the US National Team in 1993. He's been representing the United States in international competition for almost 10 years. In 1994 Gary Hall qualified to go to the World Championships in Italy, leaving a full scholarship at the University of Texas.

During the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta, Gary won two gold and two silver medals.

Gary Hall was diagnosed with diabetes in March 1999. He went on to swim in the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, taking home four medals -- two gold, one silver, and one bronze. He set a new American record in the 50-meter freestyle (21.76 seconds, which is over 5.5. miles per hour), and also swam with his team to a world record in the 4x100-medley relay.

When Gary is not swimming, much of his time is spent spreading awareness of diabetes. He has appeared on many television shows such as The Rosie O'Donnell Show. Gary Hall also gives swim clinics to youth swimmers.