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Rowdy Rising: From Rejected to Unrivaled
The limited shelf life of Olympic athletes collapsed in 1980 for Rowdy Gaines and about 280 other elite U.S. athletes when President Jimmy Carter announced America would boycott the Games in Moscow.
Instead of distinguishing his country on an international stage, the world's fastest swimmer found himself instead languishing in the lifeguard chair at his hometown pool.
Author Dainon Moody details a story of Gaines' resurrection during an earlier era when sponsorships eluded star swimmers. Rather than cashing checks for wearing sports-company merchandise, the 20-something competitor worked nights as a hotel desk clerk, practiced laps for hours each day and lived in virtual poverty. Moody's driving voice captures the naysayers who dismissed "the old guy in the pool" and then it brings home the explosive performances that delivered three gold medals before cheering throngs at the Olympics in Los Angeles.
But Rowdy Rising takes readers beyond the dark-horse podium glory of 1984 and goes on to examine Gaines' lifelong immersion into what may be the world's oldest sport. Cataloging everything from childhood swims in gator-infested neighborhood lakes to records set at the Masters level, the biography of this U.S. hero touches everyone who has ever waded into the water. Perhaps most surprising is the athlete's sudden paralysis and recovery from the potentially life-threatening Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
The author also gives readers a perch in the broadcast booth as Gaines' recounts experiences commentating the last six Olympics for NBC and others. The 220-plus page tome is a contextual must-read for anyone anticipating watching the drama of Rio de Janeiro during the Summer of 2016.
And beyond the spotlight of world-class competition, the story of Rowdy Gaines brings home the critical need for infant and youth swim lessons. It also serves as an inspiration for every kid who flounders in high school. and every aging adult who looks to the water for the challenges it can bring.
In all aspects, it is a story of one man rising above his circumstances.
Instead of distinguishing his country on an international stage, the world's fastest swimmer found himself instead languishing in the lifeguard chair at his hometown pool.
Author Dainon Moody details a story of Gaines' resurrection during an earlier era when sponsorships eluded star swimmers. Rather than cashing checks for wearing sports-company merchandise, the 20-something competitor worked nights as a hotel desk clerk, practiced laps for hours each day and lived in virtual poverty. Moody's driving voice captures the naysayers who dismissed "the old guy in the pool" and then it brings home the explosive performances that delivered three gold medals before cheering throngs at the Olympics in Los Angeles.
But Rowdy Rising takes readers beyond the dark-horse podium glory of 1984 and goes on to examine Gaines' lifelong immersion into what may be the world's oldest sport. Cataloging everything from childhood swims in gator-infested neighborhood lakes to records set at the Masters level, the biography of this U.S. hero touches everyone who has ever waded into the water. Perhaps most surprising is the athlete's sudden paralysis and recovery from the potentially life-threatening Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
The author also gives readers a perch in the broadcast booth as Gaines' recounts experiences commentating the last six Olympics for NBC and others. The 220-plus page tome is a contextual must-read for anyone anticipating watching the drama of Rio de Janeiro during the Summer of 2016.
And beyond the spotlight of world-class competition, the story of Rowdy Gaines brings home the critical need for infant and youth swim lessons. It also serves as an inspiration for every kid who flounders in high school. and every aging adult who looks to the water for the challenges it can bring.
In all aspects, it is a story of one man rising above his circumstances.
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2016
4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Dainon Moody
2 books13 followersDainon Moody earned his bachelor's degree in Journalism from Utah State University. He's a freelance writer who has been known to play Neil Young's Harvest record loudly at three o' clock in the morning. Dainon currently resides in Orlando.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 6, 2022
3x Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines and his wife told their story in person at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Florida, USA and I learned of this Biography. I asked if he'd autograph my swim cap and he kindly snatched it up like he'd done it a billion times! It was a thrill to share in the honor of an American Dream come true by holding one of his 1984 Olympic Gold medals! Rowdy is a humble, hardworking, inspirational role model and family man. I also read that proceeds from this book go to educate parents regarding infant water safety which saves lives.
November 2, 2017
Loved this book about this first-class largely uncelebrated athlete who overcame amazing obstacles to gain 3 gold medals in swimming at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. If the 1980 Olympics had not been boycotted, he would have, in all probability, won 5 gold medals.
The book shows Rowdy as a modest person who, through great tenacity, persevered to win the 3 gold medals and has used the same spirit to overcome many other obstacles in his life.
The subtitle of the book, "From Reject to Unrivaled" is appropriate and is evident throughout the book. The book is largely written by Dainon Moody, but at the end of each chapter, Rowdy provides a postscript.
This book is a great motivational read and wants me to follow Rowdy as he is a commentator at the next Olympics.
The book shows Rowdy as a modest person who, through great tenacity, persevered to win the 3 gold medals and has used the same spirit to overcome many other obstacles in his life.
The subtitle of the book, "From Reject to Unrivaled" is appropriate and is evident throughout the book. The book is largely written by Dainon Moody, but at the end of each chapter, Rowdy provides a postscript.
This book is a great motivational read and wants me to follow Rowdy as he is a commentator at the next Olympics.
July 3, 2017
Well-written, true story about Rowdy Gaines and his Olympic career and later life. Engaging, easy to read and brought to life with great style. I enjoy true stories and this was a fun read!
August 25, 2020
Fantastic and fun read. I was completely unaware of Rowdy and now feel like I know him like a friend. If you are looking for a positive book to read, give this one a chance.
October 9, 2016
An interesting look into the life surrounding one of the Olympics' most well-known voices, the stories behind his own Olympic medals, and the little-known personal stories that are behind the scenes.
August 24, 2022
I have been a Rowdy fan forever. My dad was at Auburn the same time he was. But, this book was poorly written. Lots of grammatical errors. Could’ve been better if it had a better editor.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews