Ambrose "Rowdy" Gaines IV (born February 17, 1959) is an American former competitive swimmer, U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame member, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

[3] Gaines tried several sports during his teenage years, but turned to swimming as a Winter Haven High School junior[4] at age 17.

Gaines said the boycott came at a time when he considered himself at his peak, and that he believed he missed an opportunity for four gold medals.

[7] Gaines said he experienced mental health issues after missing out on the 1980 Games and had "some real trouble post-Olympics, and...some big struggles, especially the year after.

[10] Gaines is the executive director of Rowdy’s Kidz, a wellness initiative developed and supported by The Limu Company that reaches out to children across the country.