Gold Medal-Winning Olympian Ryan Murphy Holds Close to Chicago Roots Preparing For Tokyo Games – NBC Chicago

Two-time Olympian Ryan Murphy has held true to his South Facet roots over time whereas getting ready for the upcoming Tokyo Video games.

Initially from suburban Palos Heights, Murphy can be competing for Group USA within the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke races.

After residing in Oak Garden, Murphy’s household relocated to Florida, the place the swimmer grew up.

He by no means misplaced his ties to Chicago, although, with many family nonetheless watching him practice for the Video games from the Oak Garden and Evergreen Park areas. Murphy mentioned two of his favourite sports activities groups are nonetheless the Chicago Bulls and the Cubs, though one causes some controversy along with his household.

“All of my uncles are White Sox followers, in order that they kill me each time I say I am extra of a Cubs fan,” Murphy mentioned.

Within the 2016 Rio Olympics, he took residence three gold medals for backstroke occasions and set a brand new world report. That very same 12 months, Murphy posted his quickest time within the 100-meter backstroke.

The College of California-Berkley graduate was projected to be a frontrunner for Group USA within the 2020 Olympics till the COVID-19 pandemic uprooted plans for the Video games. Murphy mentioned, nonetheless, that he feels extra prepared than earlier than.

“I do really feel like I am higher now,” he mentioned. “Principally each metric that I can attempt to measure myself in apply, I’m higher.”

The pandemic precipitated him to construct a makeshift weight room in his storage, with new strategies of power coaching. Murphy defined that he has accomplished pull-ups on a tree and even pushed his Jeep up a hill for his exercise.

Murphy’s dad and mom have been capable of witness his wins within the 2016 Rio Olympics, however will not be allowed as abroad spectators for this summer season’s Video games on account of COVID-19 mitigations — one thing that athletes have mentioned can be a sacrifice this 12 months.

“One in all my favourite moments from 2016 was having the ability to give my household a hug,” Murphy mentioned. “They’ve put a lot into this and having the ability to share it with them is basically particular.”