Snakkle Celebrates London 2012 by Looking Back at Some of Our Favorite Summer Olympians Before They Were Famous
Cue John Williams’s "Olympic Fanfare"—who's excited for the 2012 London Olympics this summer? From Bruce Jenner’s 1976 decathlon win to gymnast Mary Lou Retton’s 1984 perfect-10 vault to swimmer Dara Torres’s 2008 triumph at 41, we are celebrating the upcoming Games with some superstars of past summers. Check out these nine Olympians and where they are today. By Katherine ButlerOne of the most decorated Olympians of all time, swimmer Michael Phelps currently holds the record for the most gold medals won at a single Olympics. The mega-athlete won eight golds at the 2008 Beijing Games, breaking Mark Spitz’s record. Phelps also holds 14 gold medals, another all-time record, as well as two bronze. His great success made him the American hero of the last Olympics, as well as Sports Illustrated’s 2008 Sportsman of the Year. After the 2008 Games, he started the Michael Phelps Foundation, which promotes swimming and a healthy lifestyle. Phelps continues to compete today and plans on participating in the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games. We can look forward to seeing what new records Phelps may break in London.