In this episode of the Poolside Perspectives podcast, Mike Farley interview three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines. He discuss Rowdy's journey from starting competitive swimming at 17 to becoming an Olympic champion and world record holder. Rowdy shares his experiences and the impact of not participating in the 1980 Olympics due to the U.S. boycott, highlighting his comeback to win three golds in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Beyond his swimming career, Rowdy emphasizes his commitment to water safety and educating parents and children on drowning prevention, advocating for swimming lessons as a life-saving skill. The conversation also touches on the differences between a cave and a grotto in pool design, enhancing backyard spaces, and the broader implications of creating swimmers for family joy and the pool industry. The episode is packed with inspiring anecdotes, practical advice for homeowners, and Rowdy's passion for spreading the joy of swimming while ensuring water safety.   0:00 Poolsdie Rowdy Gains Episode 16:08 Question: Cave vs Grotto   Please don't forget check out Step into swim and find out how you can contribute to a safer swimming environment and water experience. https://www.stepintoswim.org/   Thanks for tuning into this episode.