Anthony Ervin, 35, earned his second gold medal on August 12, and became the oldest male to win an individual event at the Olympics.

Before Rio, Ervin attended Hart High School while swimming for Canyons Aquatic Club, and chose to continue his swim career and education at Cal in 1999.

At Berkeley, Ervin dominated the NCAA Division I NCAA Championships, and obtained three consecutive National Champion titles in the 100-yard freestyle and 4×100 freestyle relay, as well as an individual win in the 50 “yard freestyle.

Ervin’s qualified for his first Olympic games in 2000 by taking fifth in the 100 meter freestyle and second in the 50 meter freestyle.

While at the games, Ervin received his first gold medal in the 50 meter freestyle, going a time of 21.98 seconds.

He was also able to earn a silver medal in the 4×100 freestyle relay alongside Gary Hall Jr., Neil Walker and Jason Lezak.

Shortly after the games, Ervin announced his retirement in 2001 and pursued in the “Swammer” lifestyle.

Ervin chose to sell his gold medal from the Athens Games for $17,101 in order to help charities raising money after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, according to SCV News article. 

During his retirement, Ervin filled his arms with numerous tattoos, played in different rock bands, but did not remain out of trouble, according to SCV News article. 

Soon after retirement, Ervin became an alcoholic, experimented with hallucinogens, put in jail, tried to kill himself, when he finally realized he wanted to return to Berkeley to pursue a Master’s Degree in Culture Sport in Education.

While studying, Ervin took a coaching job for the Oakland Undercurrent Swim Team and eventually began training again.

Ervin attended the Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska and punched his ticket to the London Games after swimming a 21.60 in the 50 meter freestyle, only .01 from Cullen Jones.

At the London Olympics, Ervin finished 5th in the 50 meter freestyle, but did not retire like some thought.

Since winning his latest gold medal, Ervin states he does not know what to do with it, but will use it again for a good cause.   

Ed. Note: Information provided by SCV News