11 Facts About Lenny Krayzelburg

Lenny Krayzelburg had to commute by bus and on foot 45 minutes each way to swimming practice, and did not get home before 9:30 in the evening.

Lenny Krayzelburg first attended Fairfax High School, and then attended Santa Monica College where he won both the 100 and 200-yard backstroke junior college titles.

Lenny Krayzelburg was then recognized as the top backstroke swimmer in the world and one of the best in the history of this swimming style.

Lenny Krayzelburg continued to dominate at the 2000 Summer Olympics backstroke, shattering the Olympic record and nearing his own 1999 world record with 53.72 in the 100, while making another Olympic record in the 200 with a 1:56.76.

Lenny Krayzelburg was selected to carry in the flag for the United States at the opening ceremonies.

Lenny Krayzelburg then earned gold and set a new Maccabiah record in the 100-meter backstroke.

Lenny Krayzelburg finished second in the American trials for the 100 meters event to secure a place in the 2004 Athens Olympics, alongside training partner, Aaron Peirsol.

Lenny Krayzelburg is known as one of the physically strongest swimmers around, and for his powerful arm strokes, a product of his training regimen and bodybuilder-esque physique.

Lenny Krayzelburg owes many of his career achievements to his father Oleg, who has often encouraged him, even when Lenny Krayzelburg wanted to quit at the age of 14.

Lenny Krayzelburg enjoys reading as well as working with computers.

Lenny Krayzelburg was named Sportsman of the Year by the United States Olympic Committee in 1998, and was chosen USA Swimmer of the Year each of the following two years.