Rowdy Gaines | 3-Time Olympic Gold Medalist

Rowdy Gaines

3-Time Olympic Gold Medalist

Fee Range
$20,000
Travels From
FL, US

Rowdy Gaines
Biography

Throughout the 1980’s 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 M and 200M freestyles and Swimming World Magazine voted him World Swimmer of the Year. He was expected to win five Olympic gold medals in Moscow, but he was not able to realize
that goal.

After a brief retirement, the allure of competing proved too strong, and he returned to the pool, where the consummate technician resumed his attack on the record books. At the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, no swimmer won more races than he did with his three gold medals in the 100M freestyle, the 4x100M freestyle and medley relays. During his career he broke a total of 14 World Records.

In 1991, the swimming world was shocked to hear that Rowdy had contracted Guillan-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune virus that attacks the nervous system.

Completely paralyzed for over two weeks, Rowdy fought back, overcame the disease and one year later went to the World Masters Championships and won the glamorous 50 and 100-meter freestyle events.

Rowdy has been inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and International Swimming Hall of Fame. He works with many charitable organizations including the USA Swimming Foundation, Swim Across America benefitting research for cancer, and the Special Olympics.

Today, he is the Vice President of Aquatics for the Central Florida YMCA as he talks to kids, mentors them, and spreads the message that championship comes not from the outside but from the inside, and that dreams can come true if you believe
in yourself.

Today, Gaines is often referred to as “Swimming’s Greatest Ambassador.” Maybe life goes on without the Olympics, but not for the fastest swimmer on Earth. His determination to compete in Los Angeles in 1984 and his stellar success mark Rowdy Gaines one of the world’s most dedicated, as well as ambitious, athletes and symbolize the American quest for more than gold.

Known as the voice of swimming, he has worked with CBS, TNT, and ESPN as a regular announcer for swimming and other events. Rowdy has called the Olympic telecast on NBC for over two decades, and will be in both Paris 2024 and LA 2028.

Rowdy is a highly sought-after motivational speaker and shares his inspiring story of perseverance. He also offers amazing insight to the behind the scenes of the Olympic Games as a competitor and commentator.

Rowdy Gaines
Featured Videos

Current: Biography

Time 06:41

More Videos From Rowdy Gaines

Biography
Time 06:41
Rowdy Gaines Keynote - WAHC 2015
Time 40:36
Auburn University Profile
Time 07:37
Rowdy Gaines Wins Olympic Gold (1984)
Time 03:29

Rowdy Gaines
Featured Keynote Program

Olympic Dreams and Spirit

Dedication and Commitment through tough times
1. Overcoming the 1980 Boycott
2. Dealing with Guilain Bare Syndrome

Taking Risks and How to Manage Them
1. Don’t be afraid to fail
2. The start of a lifetime

Be Original in your Ideas
1. The Berkoff Blastoff
2. 1/100 of a second

How to Approach Perfection
1. Managing your time
2. Determine the Value

Teamwork in an Individual Life
1. Swimming?
2. The Olympic Village

Be a Dreamchaser

How Do You Choose the BEST Speaker for Your Event?

We’ve had 30 years and 40,000 events to perfect the process—and we’ll do it for free.
Get more details and availability

Rowdy Gaines

Share some basic details about you and your upcoming event, and one of our experts will be in touch with you quickly regarding pricing and availability.
Event Details
Your Details
Cancel
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.