Rowdy Gaines speaks to Cougars at alumni reunion

PROVO, UT – BYU swim and dive has the privilege of hearing from three-time Olympic gold medalist and NBC’s current voice of Olympic swimming, Rowdy Gaines. He will speak to the team and alumni on Friday, Sept. 7.

Gaines met and married his wife, Judy, in 1989. Two years later Gaines was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder. After being hospitalized for two months, he was able to make a full recovery, which his doctors credit to his physical condition from his swimming background. Gaines continued to swim and set world-class times. Five years later, at age 35, he became the oldest swimmer to qualify for the 1996 Summer Olympic trials. He chose not to compete and instead continued as a swimming commentator for NBC.

In 1998, a friend of Gaines invited him to attend services at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly after, he was baptized. The couple have four daughters: Emily, Madison, Savanna and Isabelle. Two of them have attended school at Brigham Young University.

Gaines continues to share his passion for swimming as he speaks to young swimmers and coaches. He serves as a national spokesperson for several companies, including Children’s Miracle Network, Healthsouth, Disney, Rayban, Speedo and John Hancock. He is also a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

A friend of BYU and a highly involved individual in the swimming community, Gaines’ attendance at the alumni reunion next week is highly anticipated by the Cougars.