Gary Hall, Jr.

Gary Hall, Jr. has an excellent swimming pedigree. His father, Gary Hall, Sr. won three Olympic medals, while his grandfather, Charles Keating, Jr., was a NCAA champion in 1946. Keating became better known for his involvement in the 1990s savings and loan scandals, for which he was initially convicted, though later released. A sprint specialist, Gary Hall’s foremost opponent in the early years of his career was Aleksandr Popov, who beat him to the 50 and 100 m freestyle titles at both the 1994 World Championships and 1996 Olympics. After a serving a short suspension for marijuana in 1998, he finally won an individual international title at the Sydney Olympics. Tying with his teammate Anthony Ervin, he won gold in the 50 m freestyle. He surprisingly retained his title in Athens, making for a total of 10 Olympic medals, including five golds (the other three were won in relays). Hall, who was known for his pro boxer like entrance to swimming stadiums, attempted to qualify for his fourth Olympics at age 33, but placed 4th in the U.S. Trials, and announced his retirement later in the year. After his first Olympic appearance, Hall was diagnosed with diabetes and became a spokesman for the disease and, as a world-class athlete afflicted with diabetes, an inspiration to people with the disease.