This past summer, 50 future, current, and former Golden Bears rallied in Rio for the Summer Olympic Games, including 41 athletes spanning 15 sports and nine coaches/staffers. When it comes to swimming, Cal was in a lane of its own — hauling in a staggering 19 medals, including eight golds.
Dana Vollmer ’10 made a comeback for the ages. After winning one Olympic gold in 2004 and three in 2012, she thought she’d hung up her swimsuit for good. But with a toddler in tow, she dove into the 2016 Games — winning a gold (400 free relay), silver (400 medley relay), and bronze (100 butterfly). Vollmer is the first American mother to win a gold in swimming.
At the close of Rio, Cal stood tall on the international stage, earning 21 medals in all. (The other two were in volleyball and rowing).
