Missy Franklin

Born in Pasadena in 1995, Missy Franklin emerged as a dominant force in international swimming, eventually collecting five Olympic gold medals during her career. She gained global prominence at the 2012 Summer Olympics, where she swept the women’s backstroke events, cementing her status as a prolific competitor on the world stage before her retirement in 2018.

Early Development and Amateur Stance

Raised in Aurora, Colorado, Franklin began formal swimming instruction at age five and joined the Colorado Stars at age seven under coach Todd Schmitz. Despite her rapid progression through youth rankings, she deliberately eschewed prize money and commercial endorsements during her high school years. This choice was calculated to preserve her amateur status, ensuring her eligibility for collegiate athletics, a priority that defined her path toward university competition.

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Collegiate Success at Berkeley

Franklin enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley in 2013, joining the California Golden Bears under coach Teri McKeever. Her collegiate impact was immediate; she earned the Honda Sports Award for Swimming and Diving in 2015 and secured four individual NCAA titles. Her wins included the 200-yard freestyle twice, as well as the 200-yard backstroke and individual medley in 2015 before she turned professional.

International Records and Olympic Feats

At her 2012 Olympic debut, aged 17, Franklin secured five medals, four of them gold. She held the world record in the 200-meter long course backstroke from 2012 to 2019. Her international career yielded 28 medals across various championships, including 17 gold. She held the record for most gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships by a woman, totaling 11, until 2017.

Professional Transition and Retirement

Following the 2015 NCAA Championships, Franklin moved to the professional circuit. She later adjusted her training location to the University of Georgia in early 2018. Her competitive career concluded in December 2018 with a formal announcement of retirement. She subsequently completed her academic requirements, graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in religion in December 2019.