Anthony Ervin

SWIMMER

Everybody loves a good comeback story, no? Ervin made his Olympic debut in 2000 at the age of 19, where he won gold in the 50m free and a silver with the historical 4x100m relay team. After a sudden retirement Anthony replaced swimming with drugs, rock’n roll, and a serious struggle with mental illness. He returned to the pool to clean up his act (and kick a cigarette habit), eventually getting back to peak form and making his second Olympic team in 2012. At the age of 35 he shocked the world with another Olympic appearance in Rio, and won his second gold in the 50m free - sixteen years after his first.

Q&A with Anthony

Describe yourself in three words:
Swimmer, educator, rock’n roller

Do you believe in aliens?
A simple yes or no does not justify the scientific and mystic answer I'd want to give.

What'd you want to be when you grew up?
Marine biologist or astronaut

If money, logistics, and risk of injury were not factors, what would you pick for the adrenaline dump of a lifetime?
Related to being an astronaut: going to space

Proudest accomplishment, professional:
Watching swimmers I have mentored come into their own

Proudest accomplishment, non-pro:
Making it to my nieces' birthday party

What mantra keeps you going when the going gets tough:
"Take a little extra rest now, then fire it up to finish the set" -- Hey, I'm a sprinter after all

Favorite Place in the US:
NYC

Favorite Food:
Coffee -- that is food, right?