Missy Franklin: Rising High School Swimming Star Turned Olympic Gold Medalist

Missy Franklin was 17 years old, still a high school senior in Denver, when she won four Olympic gold medals at the 2012 London Games. Her victories in the 100 and 200-meter backstroke announced her as swimming's next star.

At 6-foot-1 with a 6-foot-4 wingspan, Franklin had the physical tools to compete with the best in the world. But it was her confidence and outgoing personality that allowed her to thrive despite being one of the youngest swimmers at the Olympics. She had competed against elite American swimmers since age 14, and the experience showed when it mattered most.