Jacksonville native Ryan Murphy wins gold in 100-meter backstroke

Winner United States' Ryan Murphy, right, and third placed United States' David Plummer celebrate with their medals after the men's 100-meter backstroke at the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – At the age of 8 years old Ryan Murphy had a dream of one day winning a gold medal in swimming at the Olympic Games. On Monday night that dream became reality as Murphy won the 100 meter backstroke in Rio.

Murphy also set a new Olympic record with a time of 51.97. His teammate David Plummer won bronze in the men's 100-meter backstroke.

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Before going off to college at Cal, Murphy swam at Bolles where he helped Bulldogs to four state titles.

He’s also a four-time individual NCAA Champion. 

Murphy, 21, will also be competing in the 200-meter backstroke on Wednesday and Thursday and will be part of the U.S. team defending its 2012 Olympic gold in the 4x100-meter medley relay starting Friday.


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