While most athletes relax after competing their whole lives, world renowned swimmer Rowdy Gaines continues to be a part of the sporting world as a TV commentator for NBC and ESPN. 

But Gaines has the experience to back it up. He’s won three Olympic gold medals, holds 11 world records and is a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Talk about an athlete!

However, it’s not Gaines’ medals that are his biggest accomplishments. It’s the fact that in 1996, at the age of 35, he took another crack at being an athlete, and dispelled age stereotypes to become the oldest swimmer to ever make cut-off times for the Olympics. 

Breaking stereotypes and not taking no for an answer, Gaines came back after a nerve disorder left him paralyzed for more than a month. 

He talks with Growing Bolder about the swimming stars of today and his past Olympic experiences.