Rowdy Gaines, the well-known swimmer and three-time Olympic medalist, and his wife, Judy, were among the many Floridians who felt the brunt of Hurricane Helene. Their daughter, Madison Gaines, on Friday shared on Rowdy’s Instagram story that their home in Port Charlotte has been hit with severe flooding, and they can’t evacuate. She explained that the flooding had gotten so bad that her parents couldn’t even get to their cars.

Madison also mentioned that their house, which is on a dirt road in the woods, is built on three-foot stilts, but even that hasn’t kept the water out. She posted a video showing the floodwater starting to reach their patio and seep into the house. They were uncertain about when the floodwaters will recede due to their past encounters with hurricanes and whether they’ll have access to procure supplies as a result.

Madison said that her grandparents reside close by in a stilted house, and they haven’t been in touch with them at that time. However, there has since been an update. Most recently, Rowdy Gaines shared a post on X with the simple caption, “🙏.” He included a screenshot of Hurricane Milton, which has severely impacted Florida.

Hurricane Milton still continues to pose a threat to the state, with its potentially historic landfall expected to bring destructive, life-threatening storm surges, widespread wind damage, flooding, and tornadoes starting Wednesday. As of 8th October, the hurricane is centered 545 miles southwest of Tampa, classified as a strong Category 4 with sustained winds of 150 mph, moving east-northeast at 9 mph. Thankfully, Rowdy seems to be doing fine. But Rowdy Gaines has been a well-known face in swimming since 1992.

Rowdy Gaines, celebrated swimmer and analyst navigating family life during hurricane devastation

Rowdy Gaines is a known figure in swimming and broadcasts since the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. He has been NBC’s trusted swimming analyst for years when the Olympics roll around with Dan Hicks by his side on most occasions. Before his commentary days began, he was a swimming sensation, winning three gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in events like the 100-meter freestyle race and both 4×100-meter freestyle and medley relays. His impressive swimming career also includes five World Championship gold medals and seven Pan American titles to his name.

At the 2024 Trials in Lucas Oil Stadium, Rowdy Gaines and Dan Hicks had an exciting surprise when they welcomed Michael Phelps to the commentary booth, where he would also join the broadcast team for the Paris Olympics. While reminiscing about his favorite Olympic races, Rowdy shared Instagram photos of himself, Hicks, Phelps, and fellow relay teammates Jason Lezak, Cullen Jones, and Kyle Sockwell, along with a cutout of Garrett Weber-Gale. He revealed that his top choice was the unforgettable 2008 men’s 4x100m freestyle relay, recalling the intense rivalry with France and celebrating how his teammates had grown into remarkable men. Rowdy also honored Weber-Gale, stating, “Garrett Weber-Gale you are with us all the time, my friend!!””

However, at the same time, Gaines and his wife, Judy, have four daughters—Emily, Madison, Savannah, and Isabelle. Lately, though, their focus has shifted to surviving the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, which hit Florida’s Big Bend region. The storm left at least 200 people dead and millions without power across the Southeastern U.S.