Rowdy Gaines
Three-time Olympic Swimming Champion
Rowdy Gaines was supposed to be one of the big winners at the 1980 Olympics, but the Carter-led boycott put those plans on hold. He would have been expected to win four gold medals. Disappointing performances at the 1982 World Championships and 1983 Pan American Games had Gaines seriously contemplating retirement. He decided to stick it out for one more year, and qualified for the U.S. Olympic team in only one individual event, the 100 meter freestyle. Entering the final of the 100 freestyle, not many thought Gaines could win, including Gaines himself. The world record holder got off to a quick start and was never headed, setting an Olympic record of 49.80. Gaines touched to wall but was afraid to look at the scoreboard for the result, before the race he had already planned his concession speech. When he turned around and saw the number "1" next to his name, he let out a shout of joy. Gaines went on to anchor the gold medal 4x100 freestyle and 4x100 medley relay teams to finish with three gold medals.
| EVENT |
PLACE |
POINTS |
MONEY |
EVENT WINS |
| 1985 Preliminary 1 |
7 |
13 |
$1,300 |
None |
| TOTALS |
13 |
$1,300 |
0 |