Missy Franklin is a five-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated female swimmers in history. Franklin’s connection to the Bay Area was solidified when she arrived at UC Berkeley as the most sought-after recruit in the nation. Choosing the collegiate experience over millions in potential endorsements, she competed for the California Golden Bears from 2013 to 2015, leading the Golden Bears to the 2015 NCAA Team Championship, and captured four individual NCAA titles. In 2015, she was awarded the Honda Cup as the nation’s top female collegiate athlete. A standout in the classroom, she was named the 2015 Capital One Academic All-American of the Year. Franklin first captivated the world at the 2012 London Olympics as a 17-year-old, where she became the first American woman to win four gold medals in a single Games. Set the world record in the 200m backstroke (2:04.06), a mark that stood for seven years. She holds 11 career World Championship titles; in 2013, she became the first woman to win six gold medals at a single World Championships. Franklin’s career includes global recognition, being named the FINA World Swimmer of the Year (2011, 2012) and the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award winner in 2014. Since retiring in 2018, Franklin has continued to inspire as an ambassador for the USA Swimming Foundation, advocating for water safety and youth sports. Now a mother of two and co-host of the Unfiltered Waters podcast, she remains a prominent voice for athlete mental health and resilience. Franklin’s legacy in the Bay Area is defined not just by her speed in the water, but by her infectious “Golden Bear” spirit and dedication to excellence in every arena.