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Former Gator great Dara Torres is in Rio for the Olympic Games and briefly spoke with Steve Russell on Sportscene about her time there thus far.
The five-time Olympian is one of the most decorated swimmers in UF and US Olympic history.
During her time at UF, Torres won three individual National Championships, was a two-time SEC Female Swimmer of the year and earned a whopping 28 All-American swimming honors–the maximum number possible during a college career.
31st Olympiad one week away!!! #SummerOlympics2016 Who's excited to cheer on the athletes?? pic.twitter.com/uag5iycs4L
— Dara Torres (@DaraTorres) July 29, 2016
Torres first competed at the 1984 Olympics as a 17-year-old. When asked about what it was like to be competing at an event of that magnitude at such a young age, she spoke about being awestruck when seeing all of the great athletes, but then realized that she was one of those athletes as well.
She then went on to become a 12-time medalist throughout her Olympic career; holding four gold medals, four silver medals and four bronze medals. Torres competed in the 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000 and 2008 Olympics.
Torres became the oldest US Swimmer to compete in the Olympics when she competed as a 41-year-old in the 2008 Olympics. Not only did Torres compete in the 2008 Olympics, she brought home three silver medals in the process.
Torres seems to be enjoying her time in Rio as a spectator and is looking forward to watching her daughter participate in the Opening Ceremony.
Torres’ daughter Tessa is participating in the McDonald’s sponsored program: Friends Win!
Friends Win! celebrates the value of having friends from around the world. McDonald’s flew in 100 children from around the world to participate in the Opening Ceremony.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyOUAnv5jek
Torres could not comment on what exactly the children will be doing for the ceremony, however.
Be sure to tune into the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics this Friday at 7 p.m. to see your favorite athletes and the Friends Win! presentation.
