Rowdy Gaines
Rowdy has one of the most inspirational stories in all of sport. Missing the U.S. Boycotted 1980 Olympics didn't end Rowdy's career, it ignited it! After taking a year off, Rowdy returned to the 1984 Olympics an underdog but emerged a winner and it doesn't stop there.
In 1991 Rowdy was diagnosed with Guillan-Barre Syndrome, paralyzing him for over two weeks; not only did he recover, he went on to win 2 World Master's Titles and broke 2 World Masters Records the following year. He is known as one of the world's most dedicated, as well as, ambitious athletes and symbolizes the American quest for more than gold.
Today, Rowdy Gaines is often referred to as "Swimming’s Greatest Ambassador." Known as the voice of swimming, he has worked with CBS, TNT, ESPN, and NBC as an announcer for swimming and other events. He travels the world passionately sharing his love for the sport of swimming with youth, parents, and coaches.
Rowdy Gaines has served as a national spokesperson for the Children’s Miracle Network, HealthSouth, Disney, Rayban, Speedo, and John Hancock, to name a few. He is a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and is a sought after motivational speaker by companies world-wide. Rowdy resides in Lake Mary, Florida with his family and is currently the Executive director of the Rowdy’s Kidz program with the Limu Company.
IN DEPTH: Learn more about Rowdy Gaines.
Mr. Leatherback
Mr. Leatherback is many things – he is friendly and huggable, passionate and wise; he is a crowd pleasing, world traveling conservation icon and internet phenomenon.
Since “hatching” in April, 2006 at the International Sea Turtle Symposium in Crete, this life sized, parade-quality leatherback sea turtle has been using his jet-setter lifestyle and internet know-how to educate people the world over about the plight of his kind.
Always fun, entertaining, and optimistic, Mr. Leatherback shows his fans that they have the power to alter the course for sea turtles by making simple changes in their everyday lives.
IN DEPTH: Learn more about Mr. Leatherback.