JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville native Ryan Murphy has been gunning to be an Olympian since he was a young Wahoo, swimming for Queen's Harbour in the River City Swim League.
The 21-year-old earned that title two weeks ago at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska.
"You reflect back, and you think of that little 7-year-old who wrote a little book saying he wanted to be an Olympian,” Ryan's mother, Katy Murphy, said. “It was for a Reading Rainbow contest in library class, and he drew a picture of a big medal."
Ryan, who started swimming when he was 4 years old, following in the footsteps of his older brother and sister, will have a chance to bring home that Olympic medal when he represents Team USA at the Rio Olympic Games, beginning Aug. 5.
"Ever since I started swimming, it's been a dream of mine to go to the Olympics,” Ryan said.
Ryan won the 100-meter backstroke final June 28 in a time of 52.26 seconds to secure his Olympic berth. He also won the 200-meter backstroke (1:53.95) days later, and will represent the U.S. in that event as well.
"The reality of him being an Olympian -- I don't think it's going to hit me until we go to Rio,” Katy Murphy said. "To see your son fulfill his lifelong dream, it's gratifying. It's amazing.”
Ryan's father, Pat Murphy, said his son has been focused on this moment most of his life.
“He worked really hard and made a lot of sacrifices,” Pat Murphy said. "It's been a lot of sacrifice, and it's been very rewarding as well."
Ryan's parents and other family members will be meeting him in Rio.
In the meantime, Ryan is headed to Texas this week to continue rigorous training for the Olympics, including workouts, meetings, weightlifting and studying race recordings.
Katy Murphy said Ryan is good about keeping in touch with his biggest fans.
"He's very responsive -- most of the time it's via text, but we talk at least a few times a week,” she said. “He's busy. It's a lot to prepare for the Olympics."
After the Olympics, Ryan will return to the University of California -- Berkeley as a senior studying business. His parents said out of the pool, Ryan is very laid back.
"The only thing he does fast is swim in the water,” Pat Murphy said. “Everything else about his life is very slow and methodical."
For now, Ryan is living the fast life, with his sights set on a gold medal.