Missy Franklin

Missy Franklin is a former American competitive swimmer, born on May 10, 1995, in Pasadena, California. She is broadly recognized as one of the most accomplished swimmers of her time. Franklin started her professional career with the Colorado Stars swim club before moving to the University of California, Berkeley in 2013, where she bagged numerous accolades, including a record-breaking NCAA championship.

Franklin is known for her exceptional endurance, speed, and versatility in backstroke and freestyle events. She has won a multitude of individual awards and holds various records, including the world record for the 200-meter backstroke.

Off the swimming pool, Franklin is also known for her philanthropic efforts and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Colorado Stars

• Youth and Early Career: Franklin was born and raised in Pasadena and moved to Colorado where she joined the Colorado Stars swim club. She made her first significant impact in national swimming in 2009 at the age of 14.

University of California, Berkeley

• College Success: Franklin enrolled at the University of California in 2013. Under the tutelage of coach Teri McKeever, she developed into one of the world's best swimmers, bagging multiple NCAA championship titles.

Professional Swimming

• Record-breaking Career: In 2015, Franklin turned professional and continued to dominate swimming competitions, setting numerous records and winning several titles, including gold medals at the World Championships. 
  Individual Awards: During her professional career, Franklin won multiple World Swimmer of the Year and American Swimmer of the Year awards.

Retirement

• Early Retirement: Franklin announced her retirement from professional swimming in 2018, citing chronic shoulder pain. Her decision marked the end of an impressive career that left a significant impact on the world of swimming.

USA National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for the USA National Team in 2010.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: Winner of five gold medals across the 2012 and 2016 games.
• World Championships: Winner of 11 gold medals across three championships (2011, 2013, 2015).
• Franklin holds the record for most gold medals won in a single World Championships by a female swimmer.

• Events: Primarily a backstroke and freestyle swimmer, Franklin also excelled in medley events.
• Skills: Known for her incredible endurance, speed, and versatility. Franklin was celebrated for her powerful strokes and ability to perform under pressure.

• Family: Franklin is married to Hayes Johnson, a former University of Texas swimmer. They got married in 2019.
• Philanthropy: Franklin is involved in various charitable activities and has donated significant amounts to mental health awareness, education, and other causes.

• Missy Franklin is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her resilience, determination, and impact on swimming. Her influence on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the pool, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

World Record in 200-meter Backstroke:

• Set the world record in 2012

Most Gold Medals at a Single World Championships:

• Won six gold medals in 2013

Most Decorated Female Swimmer at a Single Olympic Games:

• Won five medals, including four gold, in 2012

Books

• Franklin, M., & D'Agostino, D. (2016). Relentless Spirit: The Unconventional Raising of a Champion. New York: Dutton.

Websites

• Olympic.org: Information about Missy Franklin’s Olympic career and achievements. Available at: https://www.olympic.org
• SwimSwam: Details about Franklin’s career and records. Available at: https://swimswam.com
• USA Swimming: Official site with updates on Franklin’s performance and records. Available at: https://www.usaswimming.org

Interviews and Documentaries

• Touch the Wall (2014): Directed by Christo Brock and Grant Barbeito. This documentary provides a detailed look at Franklin’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Missy Franklin, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com