Auburn's Rowdy Gaines eager to broadcast 9th Olympics

AUBURN, Ala. – One year after winning three gold medals in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, former Auburn swimmer Rowdy Gaines analyzed the swimming competition for a made-for-TV program called the “Battle of the Network Stars.”

From that humble broadcasting beginning came a career that now spans four decades. 

“I love it,” Gaines said. “I have the best seat in the house.”

That first gig led to a swim meet on cable, which led to the Goodwill Games.

“One thing led to another,” Gaines said. “Just kept going.”

When Rowdy and broadcast partner Dan Hicks call the action on NBC from the pool in Paris, it will be their eighth Olympics to work together, Rowdy’s ninth overall.

“Somebody told me at NBC that we’re the longest broadcasting duo in history in any sport,” Gaines said. “Dan’s a much better person than he is a broadcaster. He’s a friend and it really helps to have that friendship. 

“He still mentors me, because broadcasting is what he does for a living. To this day he helps me so much in the booth.”

Gaines expects the United States to continue its Olympic swimming dominance.

“USA Swimming has been No. 1 in the world since 1956,” he said. “Sixty-eight straight years. That’s not going to change this summer. But this is a tricky summer. The rest of the world is starting to catch up.

“The Australian women are unbelievable. Leon Marchand from France will be amazing. Summer McIntosh from Canada. They both swim in the United States so they’re going to be those names internationally to look at. We still have a lot of great swimmers.

“Katie Ledecky is the greatest female swimmer in history. She’s still going as strong as ever. It could be argued that she’s even a greater swimmer than Michael Phelps was – not the hardware; nobody will ever win 28 Olympic medals again, she’s not even halfway there – but her longevity is unmatched in swimming history. She’s been No. 1 in the world in the 800m and 1500m since 2012.” 

“The sport has given me so much more than I could ever dream about giving it.”

Back for his 33rd year at @AuburnSwimDive camp, @RowdyGaines heads to Paris in July to broadcast his 9th Olympics.

The ‘84🥇winner says @RyanWochomurka “has champion written all over him.”#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/hOVv2Ef83d

— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) June 3, 2024

Gaines returned to the Plains this summer for his 33rd year to work at Auburn’s swimming camp.

“I love it so much,” said Gaines, who swam for the Tigers from 1978-81 and was named Southeastern Conference Athlete of the Year as a senior. “It feels like home. The people are so friendly. It’s a wonderful environment to be a part of and I love coming back here.”

Being back on campus gave Gaines an opportunity to visit Auburn head coach Ryan Wochomurka. 

“I think he’s an unbelievable coach,” Gaines said. “He’s a really good person outside the coaching deck and that translates well to families. You need to be a good person on top of being a good coach, and that’s what Ryan is.

“He’s already proven he’s a great coach. In three years, to take Auburn from zero points into a top 10 program is really difficult to do in this environment. He does bring out the best in the athlete, so they’re going to keep moving up.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer