Ervin was born on May 26, 1981 in Valencia, Calif. His background represents the diversity of the United States, as he is of European Jewish descent on his mother’s side and African American and Native American descent on his father’s side. Growing up he was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, but that hasn’t stopped him from swimming fast. His book, Chasing the Water, hit store shelves in 2016.

Between his two Olympic gold medals in 16 years, Anthony Ervin overcame drugs, alcohol, a spell in prison, a failed suicide attempt and a bike accident.

One of the best lessons Anthony Ervin has learnt is that opportunity does not knock just once. “It (opportunity) can come again if you are prepared for it," he says.

At 35 years old, Ervin became the oldest ever Olympic champion in the pool when he took the gold in 50 meter freestyle, 16 years after his first title in 2000. At the touch, Ervin beat out the defending 50 meter Olympic Champion by one hundredth of a second in 21.40.