Gary Hall Jr.

Gary Hall Jr., son of three-time Olympian Swimmer Gary Hall Sr., was born on September 26, 1974 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a three-time Olympian Swimmer like his father (competing in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games) and nine-time Olympic medallist (5 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze).

Hall is well known for his antics before a competition; frequently strutting onto the pool deck in boxing shorts and robe, shadow boxing and flexing for the audience.

1996 Atlanta Games

In his first Olympics at the age of 21, Hall had only 6 years of swimming experience yet he already had a well-known rivalry with Russia's Alexander Popov. Hall and his teammates dominated the relay events, but Popov continued to beat Hall in the individual events. The rivalry grew bitter than ever. In an interview with the media, Popov said that Hall was incapable of beating him because he "comes from a family of losers." Hall responded by coming to his next event in leather motorcycle pants and executing his usual shadow boxing and flexing routine.

Hall won two individual silvers and two team relay golds at the games including helping set the world record in both the 400m freestyle and medley relays.

Diabetes

In 1999, Gary Hall Jr. was diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes, commonly referred to as childhood or juvenile diabetes. Upon his diagnosis, Hall struggled with the possibilities and the effects he knew the medical condition would have on his life. Hall took a short hiatus from swimming, but returned in time to compete in the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials. There he won the 50m freestyle and placed second in the 100m freestyle. His 50m time, at 21.76 seconds set a new American record, beating the ten-year old record set by Tom Jager.

2000 Sydney Games

Hall's success continued in the 2000 Summer Olympics. He won the gold medal in the individual 50m freestyle, tying with his fellow American teammate Anthony Ervin, and won the gold and silver in the team relays. He also won the bronze in the 100m freestyle.