Anthony Ervin’s journey is incredible—he won an Olympic gold medal as a youth, fell into homelessness, attempted suicide, recovered, and became an Olympic champion once more.
Additionally, Ervin turned 35 and became the oldest swimming individual Olympic champion.
About Anthony Ervin | Family and Education
On May 26, 1981, Anthony Ervin was born in Santa Clarita, California. He also has a distinctive family tree.
Sherry Ervin is of Jewish ancestry, whereas Jack Ervin is of African American and Indian ancestry. Jackie Ervin, another sibling, also exists.
Ervin took swimming lessons as a youngster so that he could channel his vigor and aggression into something constructive.
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In 2010, he earned his English bachelor’s degree from the University of California. Anthony later earned a master’s degree from Cal in sport, culture, and education.
A book on Ervin’s life and career, Chasing Water: Elegy Of An Olympian, was published in 2016 as well. The International Swimming Hall of Fame later presented his book with the Buck Dawson Authors Award in 2018.
Good Reason
He gave a gold medal from the 2004 Olympic 50 m freestyle competition to collect money for the victims of the Philippines tsunami. He also gave $17,000 to the Red Cross’s tsunami relief fund.
Similar to this, Ervin has previously traveled extensively around the USA and other countries teaching kids how to swim for free.
He is also the first representative for International Water Safety Day and a founding member of The USA Council on Racial and Social Justice.
He also served as the Tourette Association of America’s young ambassador from 2017 to 2018.
Awful Times
He developed drug, cigarette, and alcohol addictions following his retirement at the age of 22. He also struggled with depression, and he attempted suicide on multiple occasions.
Similarly, He could not get up from the sofa when he was abusing himself after drinking these dangerous drugs.
In addition, he was involved in a bike accident as a result of a police pursuit following a speeding ticket.
But all changed when he was given a position instructing kids at the Imagine Swimming School by one of his pals.
Later, it served as inspiration for him to return to the world of international competition.
Favorites
One of Ervin’s favorite pastimes is music. Even created a rock band called Weapons of Mass Destruction during his swimming break.
He enjoys playing guitar most of the time and has DJing talents as well.
Ervin enjoys traveling and has seen a lot of places. Additionally, he enjoys teaching swimming to individuals all around the world and learning about other people’s hobbies.
Anthony Ervin | Body art
Anthony Ervin, without a doubt, has one of the most attractive tattoos. In addition, it has special meaning for him since he got tattoos to recover his skin and restore control of himself.
Inks were mentioned in an interview with CBS News as a way for him to get over his chaotic lifestyle.
His tattoos all have special meanings. To further remind him that he is incomplete, the majority of his tattoos are incomplete.
Olympic rings were Ervin’s first tattoos, which were placed between his shoulder blades. But he notes that it is fading and has to be touched up once more.
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A nude Japanese lady holding a ball in one hand and a knife in the other, however, is one of his body’s most remarkable body arts.
She is also sporting a traditional Japanese choker, and her legs are extended toward his thigh.
The intriguing part of the tale is that he desired a large dragon. He later changed his mind after speaking with traditional Japanese tattoo artist Koji Ichimaru.
They sat down for several hours to finish his work as they were tattooing him in Bologna, Italy.
Ervin also completely covered his right and left hands with scale patterns of fish, seaweed, and plants.
Career in College
Attending William Hart High School was Anthony Ervin. He then achieved the top national ranking and won the CIF Southern Section swimming MVP award after graduating in 1999.
He registered for college at the University of California, Berkeley. Only he amazed everyone throughout his rookie season.
Matt Biondi, was the only Bear swimmer to win multiple NCCA titles in the individual events.
He won the NCAA meets in 50- and 100-meter freestyle events. He also won the 50 and 100 m freestyle races at the Pac-10 Championship, as well as the 200 and 400 m freestyle in the relay.
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In his sophomore year, he successfully defended his NCAA 100m freestyle title as well as his Pac-10 championship 50m and 100m freestyle titles.
The following year, he won the NCAA 100m freestyle title three times. By completing the race in 41.62, he also broke records for the NCAA, Americana, and US Open.
In addition, he helped the Bears win the conference and national crowns in the 400-meter free relay. In his junior year, he was also named Pac-10 Swimmer of the Year.
Later, in 2015, FINIS athlete inducted Ervin into the California Berkeley Hall of Fame.
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Professional Life and Career
Anthony Ervin competed in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle events at the 2000 USA Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.
In the 50-meter freestyle, he came in second with a time of 21.80. However, he finished fifth in the 100-meter freestyle finals and made the 4×100-meter freestyle relay squad.
Later, in the 4x 100 m relay at the Sydney Olympics, Ervin and his teammates Gary Hall Jr., Neil Walker, and Jason Lezak placed second behind Australia.
In addition, it was the first time the USA had dropped the match. He did, however, swim rather well, finishing the leadoff leg in 48.89 seconds.
Nevertheless, he tied with Gary Hall Jr. for first place in the 50-meter freestyle finals to win the gold medal.
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Ervin put on the strongest performance of his career the following year, earning gold in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle events at the 2001 FINA World Championship.
Additionally, he beat fellow American Matt Biondi’s record for the 100m freestyle with a time of 48.33 to win.
He also placed second in the 4100 m freestyle and the 50 m freestyle at the 2002 Pan Pacifics in Yokohoma.
However, Ervin, then just 22 years old, gave up competitive swimming in 2003.
Comeback
After his final USA Swim competition in 2011, he started training again for the first time in 7 years.
His triumph in the 50-meter freestyle at the Chesapeake Pro-Ann upon his return put him back in the public eye.
Ervin was able to qualify for the Olympics in 2012, 12 years after his first Olympics, on the USA Olympic Trails.
He placed second in the 50m freestyle with a personal best time of 21.60 at the age of 31. But in the finals in the London Olympics, he came in fifth.
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However, Team USA’s victories in the 4x100m freestyle relay and the 4x100m medley relay allowed him to bring home two gold medals from the 2012 FINA short course swimming championship.
Later, in the 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2013 World Championship, Team USA won silver with Nathan Adrian, Ryan Lochte, and Jimmy Feigen.
Ervin finished the competition with the quickest time among his colleagues at 47.44.
He also qualified for the finals in the 50-meter freestyle event with a personal-best time of 21.42. But in the male event, he came in sixth.
The next year, he placed fifth in the 100m freestyle at the National Championship and won gold in the 50m freestyle.
Later, he was selected to compete in Gold Coast as a member of the USA’s Pan Pacs squad. He took home silver in the 50 and 100 m freestyle events.
Oldest Gold Medalist at the Olympics
Ervin finished first in the 50-meter freestyle event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio with a personal-best time of 21.40.
In addition, he won by 0.01 seconds against Florent Manaudou, the defending Olympic champion in the 50-meter freestyle.
The oldest Olympic gold medalist in the individual swimming competition is Ervin, who is 35 years old.
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He accomplished that feat by surpassing Michael Phelps’ previous mark.
In the subsequent 4100 m freestyle with Michael Phelps, Ryan Held, and Caeleb Dressel, he also took first place.
He earned gold medals in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, and 4×100-meter medley relay events in the 2017 Maccabiah Games.
He still desired to take part in the Olympics at age 39. Later, he competed in the 50m freestyle in the USA Olympic Trials in 2002.
Net Worth | Anthony Ervin
Ervin won the 4x100m relay at the 2013 World Championship (LC), earning him $15,000.
Likewise, after winning two gold and one silver medal at the 2012 World Championship (SC), he received $12,000.
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Furthermore, the USA Olympic Committee gave him $50,000 when he took home two gold medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
Sponsors
Ervin agreed to be sponsored by the American swimsuit brand FINIS in 2013. He has been competing in their swimsuit since donning it.
He also contributed to the development of FINI’s brand-new swimming tech suit, branded as #Rival 2.0, in 2018.
His endorsement agreements with Imagine Swimming School go back a long time. Additionally, his work with children at Imagine gives him the motivation to fight once more in 2011.
Similarly, the snack company Picky Bars sponsor him as well.
According to several websites, Anthony Ervin, a three-time Olympian, has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.
Social Media
On social media, Anthony Ervin is active. He currently has accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
With these aliases combined, he has 105k+ fans. Additionally, he enjoys posting pictures and videos of his daily life and swimming-related items.
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Similar to this, Ervin manages a website that he frequently updates on occurrences in his life. Additionally, his website offers the opportunity to buy every item on which he cooperated.
Frequently Asked Question:
Will Anthony Ervin take part in the Olympics in Tokyo?
Anthony Ervin aspired to take part in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He finished 23rd overall in the USA Olympic Trials in 22.61 seconds but was unable to advance.
How many gold Olympic medals has Anthony Ervin captured?
Three Olympic gold medals in total have been earned by Anthony Ervin. One was at the 2000 Olympics, while the other two were in 2016.
Additionally, after winning the 50m freestyle event at the 2016 Olympics, he turned 35 and became the oldest swimmer to win an individual Olympic gold medal.
Quick Facts | Anthony Ervin
| Name | Anthony Lee Ervin |
| Date of Birth | 26th May 1981 |
| Birth Place | Santa Clarita, California, USA |
| Nick Name | Tony |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Gender | Male |
| Religion | Judaism |
| Nationality | African-American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Profession | Swimming |
| Height | 6’3″ (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | 22.0 |
| Build | Athletic |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Tattoo | Yes |
| Father Name | Jack Ervin |
| Mother Name | Sherry Ervin |
| Siblings | Jackie Ervin (brother) |
| Relationship | Single |
| Education | William Hart High school, University of Berkeley |
| Team | Unavailable |
| Coach | David Marsh |
| Strokes | Freestyle |
| Career | 2000-2003 & 2011-present |
| Olympic Records |
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| World Championship Records |
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| Personal Best |
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| Salary | Unavailable |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
| Hobbies | Travel, Music, Reading |
| Social media | Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln |
| Swimming Merch | Book, Cap, Men’s and Women’s Suits |
| Last Update | July, 2022 |
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