3x Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines was a prominent fixture during the swimming leg of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Announced as one of the main commentators for the finals sessions, the swimmer has been doing this since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. While the Hall of famer had a marvelous time in the French capital, things haven’t been as easy in Florida.

Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc as a Category 4 hurricane late Thursday. The aftermath? Flooding, damage, and destruction along the Gulf Coast. On September 27, the swimming legend’s daughter, Madison Gaines, lets fans in on how her parents are doing. She posted on his Instagram story, “During this difficult time, I am asking anyone to please keep them in your prayers and send them love their way.” What really went down? 

“My parents did not evacuate in time. The storm surge, rain, and tide has caused flooding of over 3 feet,” she continued. Judy Gaines, Rowdy’s wife, sent their daughter a video of the flooding. The fast-moving tropical cyclone brought water onto their patio, slowly seeping into the house. She added, “Their house sits on 3 foot stilts, which is in the middle of the woods of Port Charlotte.” However, she reiterated that the 65-year-old and his wife cannot get to their cars. They wouldn’t be able to get out. But this isn’t the first hurricane they’ve experienced.

Madison mentioned, “Their house and my grandparents’ house sits down a dirt road, which in the past after a hurricane has been hard to get out due to fallen trees and debris.” Hurricane Helene made landfall with 140 mph winds in Taylor County, Florida. For the last two Augusts, Hurricane Idalia and Debby have impacted the same area. “So they don’t know once the water clears if they will be able to leave to get supplies.” The hurricane caused a major power outage, so Rowdy Gaines and his wife are trying their best to conserve their phone battery. 

As worrying as this is, Madison also mentions her grandparents. “My grandparents’ house does not sit on stilts and is currently under 3 feet of water in their house. As of right now, we have not heard from them.” Hurricane Helene has been the strongest storm to impact Florida’s Big Bend since 1851. Gaines’ daughter finally asked fans to reach out to Rowdy’s DM if anyone has resources to help them once it is safe to do so. While we wait for an update on the swimming legend, how was his time leading up to the Paris Olympics? 

Rowdy Gaines’ magical moment at the U.S. Olympic Trials

Team USA was gearing up for the 2024 Trials on Day 7 at Lucas Oil Stadium, and the excitement was through the roof. But Rowdy Gaines and Dan Hicks had a very special guest in the commentary booth – Michael Phelps. This was the icing on the cake because it was announced that he would be a part of the Paris Olympics broadcast booth at the París La Défense Arena!

However, seeing how the Baltimore Bullet was in the booth, the swimming veteran took the opportunity to talk about his favorite race from the Olympics. He posted a few images of himself and Dan Hicks posing with Jason Lezak, Cullen Jones, and the 23x Olympic medalist on Instagram. Kyle Sockwell joined the trio in the second image, while they had a cutout of Garrett Weber-Gale in the third. Yes, you guessed it right, the images showcased the members of the ‘greatest relay in Olympic history.’ 

But Rowdy Gaines’ caption added more clarity. “My most asked question is, ‘Rowdy, what is your most favorite race you have ever called?'” In his own words, the swimming legend admitted that he has several on his Mt. Rushmore of races. But if he had to pick one, it would be the 2008 Men’s 4x100m free. Why does he particularly enjoy that race, you ask?

The 65-year-old recalled the dramatic elements, particularly the rivalry with France and the incredible finish. But he also was grateful about revisiting that memory and seeing how they’d all grown into amazing men, husbands, and fathers 16 years later. Even though Weber-Gale couldn’t join the squad, he didn’t forget to give him a shoutout. “Garrett Weber-Gale you are with us all the time, my friend!!” While it is endearing to look back in time. We hope Rowdy Gaines and his family stay safe during this challenging time.