Franklin made her international debut at the 2012 London Games.
At just 17 years old, the swimming sensation nabbed four gold medals and shattered two world records.
Franklin’s Olympic performance elevated her to global celebrity status.
Tragically, Franklin’s Olympic career was cut short.
Soon after her triumphant stint in London, the athlete developed excruciating shoulder pain due to chronic severe tendonitis.
Franklin broke the news via a heartfelt letter toESPN.
“This is by no means the end,” the champion wrote.
These days, Franklin has certainly followed through on her promise to stay involved in the swimming world.
Here’s what Franklin has been up to since her Olympic heyday.
Today, she goes by Missy Franklin-Johnson.
Years later, the pair reconnected, and their love blossomed.
Franklin and Johnson tied the knot in September 2019.
Their ceremony, which contained tons ofpersonal wedding details, took place in Franklin’s home state of Colorado.
On the big day, Franklin stunned in a classic white gown adorned with fine lace details.
Tears of joy spilled from her eyes as she walked down the aisle with her father.
In 2020, Franklin spoke withPeopleabout her marital bliss.
But as emotional as things can get for viewers, it doesn’t compare to what Olympic athletes experience.
However, in 2019, Franklin assuredPeoplethat she would not be returning for another dip in the Olympic pool.
“Absolutely not,” Franklin told the publication.
“This is for all my water lovers out there,” Franklin wrote on thecompany’s website.
“While there are some swimming specific pieces (of course!
In 2021, the swimming sensation co-founded an apparel line with her husband called SwimSwag.
On the company’s website,Franklin wroteabout what inspired her to create a swim-centric clothing brand.
But apart from her athletic achievements, there’s one title that Franklin cherishes the most: Mom.
In 2021, Franklin and her husband became first-time parents to a baby girl named Sarah Caitlin Johnson.
We love you so much Caitlin.”
In a 2024 interview withMile High Sports, Franklin raved about the joys of motherhood.
“So, we now have a 2-year-old.
So, that has been a literal dream come true.”
The proof is written all over her Instagram account, where she frequently posts snapshots of the little girl.
In August 2023, Franklin shared an adorablephoto dumpin honor of Caitlin’s second birthday.
“The best two years of our lives, hands down.
You are everything we dreamt of and so much more.”
These days, the gold medalist travels to Colorado often especially in the winter.
A few days later, she postedsnapshotsof her daughter Caitlin learning how to ski.
In both posts, she referred to Colorado as “the actual happiest place on Earth.”
In January 2024, the Olympian launched a podcast called “Unfiltered Waters” with fellow swimmer Katie Hoff.
The podcast focuses on all things swimming and offers valuable insights to fellow swim enthusiasts.
Join us on our journey to bring you genuine conversations that uncover the person beneath the athlete."
In 2023, Franklin sat down with theNew York Timesto share more details about “Unfiltered Waters.”
“So far, our guests have just been so lovely,” Franklin told the publication.
And when it comes to style and functionality, nobody knows swimsuits better than a professional swimmer.
Therefore, it makes sense that Franklin has dabbled in swimwear design.
In 2023, the Olympian launched her eponymous swimwear collection in collaboration with JCPenney and Sports Illustrated.
Franklin was involved in every aspect of the design process.
Franklin also opted for sleek fabrics that complement an athletic lifestyle.
In a conversation withWomen’s Wear Daily, Franklin opened up about the inspiration behind her swimwear collection.
A suit that will make you feel confident in your body, no matter what."
She entered her first Olympic trials at just 13 years old.
By 17, she was an Olympic gold medalist four times over.
At the end of her swimming career, Franklin was an 11-time world champion.
With such incredible stats, it’s no surprise that Franklin received one of the sport’s highest honors.
In 2023, the swimming sensation was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Shortly after the ceremony,Franklin took to Instagramto express her joy and gratitude.
“The honor of a lifetime,” she wrote.
I am still trying to find words to process what this last weekend meant to me.
Being inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame with such a prestigious class was overwhelming.
Looking back on her remarkable career, Franklin shared some insightful words with her followers.
Enjoy every second because you will miss it."
Dick inherited the disease from his father, as did two of his siblings.
Franklin toldHealthCentralthat her father’s diagnosis had left her feeling helpless.
“My dad’s disease really started progressing in 2019 and 2020.
“Eventually, his kidneys were failing.
Fortunately, Dick’s story has a happy ending.
In 2022, the Franklin family put out a call via Facebook for a kidney donor.
The post reached a fellow Olympic medalist named Crissy Perham, who ended up being a perfect donor match.
Later that year, Dick underwent life-saving kidney transplant surgery.
Today, Franklin is a fierce advocate for kidney disease awareness.
“Live organ donation SAVES.
LIVES,” shedeclaredin a 2022 Instagram post.
“It gives people the gift of time with their loved ones.
There is NO greater gift.”
While she’s no longer competing, she maintains a strong leadership role in the swimming community.
These days, Franklin is an ambassador for the USA Swimming Foundation.
Franklin’s work with the organization allows her to support the next generation of professional swimmers.
She also uses the platform to raise awareness about children’s pool safety.
As a board member, Franklin plays a critical role in facilitating the organization’s work.
