Jacksonville native Ryan Murphy is celebrating another medal for Team USA which he earned Thursday night.
Murphy won gold in the men's 200-meter backstroke with a time of 1:53.62.
Murphy won gold Monday night in the 100-meter backstroke and set a new Olympic record with a time of 51.97. His gold in the 200-meter backstroke made him the fifth American to sweep backstroke events at the same Olympic Games.
Murphy’s father, Pat Murphy, couldn’t be more proud of or happier for his son.
“He’s the guy who is up at 6 a.m.,” Pat Murphy said. “He’s the guy deciding not to eat ice cream and make all the right food decisions. That all rode on his shoulders. We are there to help if there is a need.”
After winning his second gold, Murphy posted on Twitter; “There's no words to describe what I'm feeling right now. So proud to represent this country. Thanks to everyone that's helped me along the way.”
Murphy is a Bolles graduate.
As an 8-year-old child, he wrote a book predicting he would become an Olympian and break the world record.
Murphy’s parents said support from the Jacksonville community helped Ryan get the gold.
Murphy will also be part of the U.S. team defending its 2012 Olympic gold medal in the 4 by 100-meter medley relay.