As the first man in nearly 100 years to win Olympic medals in the 200, 400, and 1500 freestyle events, which he achieved in Atlanta in 1996, Daniel Kowalski is one of the greatest mid-distance / distance swimmers ever.
A star in swimming-crazed Australia, in perhaps the golden era of Australia’s rich swimming history, it would be easy to think that after he won gold on the 4x200m relay at the Sydney Olympics that Daniel Kowalski would retire from swimming with zero regrets. But Daniel Kowalski battled depression as he struggled with a feeling of failure for his silver medal in the 1500 in Atlanta, developed an eating disorder, and endured the life of a closeted gay man still years away from coming out.
In the years since, he’s been able to oust that negativity and is involved in swimming as a member of the Australian Olympic Committee and World Aquatics Athlete Commission where he serves the betterment of the sport and its athletes.
Enjoy!