Lenny Krayzelburg
Known as the "Backstroke King," American swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg gave explosive performances at the 2000 Olympics.
He won three gold medals and became one of the few men to win both the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke events.
Krayzelburg was born in Odessa, Ukraine, where his swimming talent was noticed at an early age. He began a strenuous
training program when he was nine years old. His family faced discrimination as Jews, and in 1989 his parents decided to immigrate to the United States and settle in
Los Angeles.
As a 13-year-old, Krayzelburg had to learn a new language, adapt to a
different culture, attend school and work to help support his family. He almost gave up swimming, but his father
convinced him to stick with the sport. That advice has paid off. After years of training and hard work, Krayzelburg
holds the world records in the 50-meter, 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke events.
- ESPN.com
Read a short Krayzelburg biography and an account of his 100-m backstroke victory.
- Time
Time magazine explains how a Soviet boy's dream turned into an American reality for Krayzelburg.
- People
This magazine named Krayzelburg an "Olympic Beauty" and revealed his struggle with chlorine. "It doesn't matter; I can use as much soap as I want," he said. "I still smell like chlorine."
- Lenny Krayzelburg Zone
He has earned the admiration of people worldwide and this fan page has a wealth of information about the swimmer.
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