Michael Phelps. Probably the best athlete since Achilles, Michael has 22 Olympic medals and counting. Why is he so great? Lots of guys have similarly good physical connection with the water. Michael just wants it more.

Mark Spitz. Disappointed after his 1968 Olympic performance (he "only" won two gold medals), Spitz chose to swim for Indiana University, where he won eight individual NCAA titles. His hard work paid off; at the 1972 Olympics, he won seven gold medals and set a world record in each event. This achievement wasn't surpassed until Michael Phelps scored eight golds at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Natalie Coughlin. As a Cal Bears swimmer at the University of California, Coughlin won twelve NCAA national championships, was recognized as NCAA Swimmer of the Year three times, and was named Female Athlete of the Year by Sports Illustrated. Whew. Coughlin continued to kill it after college, winning an incredible 12 Olympic medals (source). She was also named World Swimmer of the Year once in 2002.

Much awkward. Very interview.

Ryan Lochte. Lochte had quite the career as a Gator at the University of Florida. He was named NCAA Swimmer of the Year twice and won seven NCAA championships. Known especially for the crazy distance he swims underwater, Lochte has won 11 Olympic medals...and our hearts, in his terrible, yet endearing, interviews.

Missy Franklin. Franklin is one of those ridiculous people who has done more with her life before graduating from high school than most of us will…ever. After winning 4 gold medals at the 2012 Olympics (at seventeen years old), she was named World Swimmer of the Year. Missy currently swims for UC Berkeley.

Wondering why we didn't include the Michael Phelps? He never actually swam on an NCAA team. He transitioned straight from his club team to the pros (source). If you're not Michael Phelps, this is not the course of action we recommend for you.