Missy Franklin

Biography

Missy "The Missile" Franklin was a shooting star - brilliant, brief, and unforgettable. At 17, she won four golds and a bronze in London, her smile as radiant as her swimming was dominant. Standing 6'2" with an enthusiasm that charmed everyone, she seemed destined to challenge Phelps's records. But chronic shoulder injuries began eroding her performance, and by 23, she was retired. What remains is a peak as high as any in swimming history: 11 world championship golds and five Olympic golds, plus the memory of a young woman who made winning look like pure joy.

Career Highlights

• 5 Olympic gold medals
• 11 world championship golds
• 4 golds in one Olympics (2012)
• Backstroke specialist
• Retired at 23 due to injuries

Learn More