Rowdy Gaines is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most recognized names in American swimming. Dubbed “the fastest swimmer on Earth” during his prime, he dominated the sport in the 1980s and was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2005. Today, he’s best known as the voice of Olympic swimming on NBC, where his insightful commentary and deep love for the sport have earned him fans across generations.

Rowdy Gaines is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most recognized names in American swimming. Dubbed “the fastest swimmer on Earth” during his prime, he dominated the sport in the 1980s and was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2005. Today, he’s best known as the voice of Olympic swimming on NBC, where his insightful commentary and deep love for the sport have earned him fans across generations.

Beyond the broadcast booth, Rowdy is a lifelong advocate for swimming safety, access, and education. He works closely with national health and aquatic organizations to promote cleaner, safer swimming environments — especially in backyard and public pools. His passion extends to raising awareness about healthy swimming habits, from hygiene to water quality, with the goal of making every swim a safer and more enjoyable experience.