Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist (3 in 2000, 1 in 2004) Attended the University of Southern California. Born in the Soviet Union, but moved to the United States in 1989, and became a U.S. Citizen in 1995 1999 & 2000 USA Swimming "Swimmer of the Year" Holds world record in 100m Backstroke (53.60 seconds - 8/27/99) Inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.