Franklin was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She pursued higher education in Psychology at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. Despite her academic commitments, she remained dedicated to swimming.

Career Highlights

Franklin's career is decorated with numerous accolades. She was named the Golden Goggle Female Athlete of the Year in 2011 and 2012. In 2015, she was part of the US women's 4x200m relay team that won Relay Team of the Year at the Golden Goggle Awards.

In 2013, she became the first female swimmer to win six gold medals at a single World Championships in Barcelona, Spain. She also received the Honda-Broderick Cup in June 2015, awarded to the top female athlete across all sports in the NCAA.

Challenges and Injuries

Franklin faced significant challenges throughout her career. She required surgery on both shoulders due to bursitis in 2017, which ruled her out of the US Championships and the World Championships that year. Despite these setbacks, she continued to compete and excel.

In 2014, she suffered a back injury before the Pan Pacific Championships but still managed to compete. These injuries highlighted her resilience and determination.

Retirement and Personal Life

Franklin retired from competitive swimming in December 2018. She cited physical and emotional struggles, including shoulder pain, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, as factors leading to her decision. Despite these challenges, she considers surviving through the 2016 Rio Olympics as her greatest accomplishment.

Franklin resides in Denver with her partner Hayes Johnson. Johnson also has a background in competitive swimming for the University of Texas at Austin. Franklin's father played American football in the 1960s at St. Mary's University in Halifax, NS, Canada.

Awards and Honours

Franklin's list of awards is extensive. She was named Sportswoman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation in 2013 and received the James E. Sullivan Award in 2012 for being the top US amateur athlete. Additionally, she was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019.

Media Presence

Franklin's autobiography 'Relentless Spirit: The Unconventional Raising of a Champion' was released in December 2016. The film 'Touch the Wall', which depicted her build-up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, premiered at the Denver Film Festival in November 2014.

Philosophy and Influences

Franklin's sporting philosophy is simple yet profound: "I feel like a part of swimming is that your swimming talks for you." She believes in being humble outside of the pool but confident while competing. Her mother has been the most influential person in her career, while US swimmer Natalie Coughlin is her idol.

Hobbies and Interests

Outside of swimming, Franklin enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with family and friends. These activities provide a balance to her rigorous training schedule and competitive commitments.

Missy Franklin's journey from a six-month-old learning to swim to an accomplished athlete is inspiring. Her resilience through injuries and personal struggles showcases her dedication to swimming. As she transitions into life after competitive sports, her legacy continues to inspire future generations of swimmers.