Jason Lezak

View Jason Lezak's Biography

Open Turn: 2016 Trials, Lezak’s Olympic Moment, and Missy’s High School Career

Full Name:	Jason Lezak
Born:	September 12th, 1975
	Irvine, California, USA
Nationality:	United States
Status:	Retired

Jason Lezak, one of the United States’ most prominent relay sprinters, was born in Bellflower, California, on November 12, 1975, and grew up in nearby Irvine. He started swimming when he was very young, and, at the age of ten, participated in the junior Olympics. However, his interest in athletics spanned many sports – basketball, baseball, soccer, and water polo – several of which he continued to play in high school. It wasn’t until after his collegiate swimming career at UC Santa Barbara that his professional rise began. His pro career lasted for nearly fifteen years, spanning four Olympic games and garnering eight Olympic medals. 2000 Olympic Games In 1999, Lezak broke into the international forefront at Pan Pacific Championships in Sydney by helping the United States 400-meter freestyle relay team earn a silver medal behind Australia. He returned to Sydney for the 2000 Olympics, earning his first Olympic gold anchoring the 4 x 100 medley relay, and a silver that, exciting as it was, also signified the United States’ first loss in the 4 x 100 free relay in Olympic history. He was twenty-four years old, and only starting his elite career. While he competed in both the 50-meter free and 100-meter …

Open Turn: 2016 Trials, Lezak’s Olympic Moment, and Missy’s High School Career

Garrett and Braden discuss the best city to host the 2016 Olympic Trials, Jason Lezak’s greatest Olympic moment, and whether or not Missy Franklin should be swimming for her High School. (Swim Photo Credit © Tim Binning, TheSwimPictures.com)

Jason Lezak Decides to Retire at 37; Will Be Remembered for “The Anchor”

American Jason Lezak, who is nothing short of a swimming-hero, has made his retirement official at 37-years old. (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

The Jason Lezak Swimming Photo Vault

Jason Lezak, the man with the greatest performance in swimming history, the 2008 Olympic Games 4×100 freestyle relay anchor leg. (Photo Credit: Tim Binning, theswimpictures)

As SwimSwam Surpasses 20,000 Facebook Fans, a Chance to Give Back

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Swim News: “Michael Phelps’ celebration of his 2008 Olympic gold in the 4×100 freestyle relay is used for artistic inspiration…” (Swim Photo Credit: Slate, Andrew Morgan

Golden Goggles Red Carpet: Cutest Couples [Photo Vault]

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Swimming Through the Decades Panel Brings Together 40 Years of Swimming Excellence

The Jimmy Feigen Photo Vault

Swim Photo Credit: Tim Binning, theswimpictures

Alain Bernard to be Honored Friday in French Retirement Jubilee

French swimmer Alain Bernard, above, is one of three French Olympians being honored at a retirement ceremony today. (Photo Courtesy: Georges Biard)

The USA Swimming National Team Photo Vault

Jason Lezak, Olympic Icon, 2008 4×100 free relay savior, against Flag Art (Photo Credit: Tim Binning, theswimpictures)

Sprint News 8/22/12: Lezak Taking Up a New Sport; TCU Hires Assistant; Josh Morgan Lands in South Carolina

Jason Lezak is taking his skills to the baseball diamond. (Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)

Is Michael Phelps the Greatest Athlete of All-Time

Photo Credit: US Presswire

“Workaholics” Anders Holm weighs in on Olympic Village & More

Anders: “Nathan Adrian’s got the star-potential, that James Bond-like thing…a giant in a tuxedo.” (Photo credit: Tim Binning, theswimpictures.com)

Men’s 4×100 Free Relay Recap: Video Special

Double Olympic Gold Medalist recaps last night’s relay

Armchair Olympic Coach, Create Your Historic 4×100 Free Relay

(Photo Courtesy: ©Tim Binning/TheSwimPictures.com)