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| Missy Franklin celebrates with her gold medal and an American flag during the medal ceremony for the 100m backstroke at the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 30, 2012. |
At the London 2012 Olympic Games, at the age of 17, Missy Franklin brought home five medals for Team USA, four of which are gold. Just as impressive as her swimming medal haul was the way Missy handled it all: with dignity, humbleness and an attitude that has endeared her to many.
Dealing with the Olympic spotlight isn’t easy, but Missy Franklin has made it look easy. If I had to point to someone as a role model for being an Olympian, it would be Missy. After returning from the Games, she decided not to turn pro and to return to high school. There, by the way, she competed for her school swim team and returned to her “normal” life as a senior in high school.
I caught up with Missy Franklin at the 83rd Annual AAU Sullivan Awards, where she was named the top amateur athlete of the year, joining the ranks of Michelle Kwan, Michael Phelps, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Tim Tebow and other well-known athletes.
She spoke to me about her upcoming senior prom, Ryan Lochte’s new E! reality show, and what it’s like to be an Olympic champion in high school!
