Imagine missing the chance to compete in an Olympics held right in your own backyard. For five-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Murphy, that’s a regret he’s simply not willing to live with. And this is the part most people miss: after a year-and-a-half hiatus from the pool, Murphy is diving back into training with one goal in mind—LA 2028. But here’s where it gets controversial: at 30 years old, is this comeback a bold pursuit of glory or a risky gamble against time? Let’s dive in.
Murphy, the American backstroke legend who’s dominated the Olympic stage in Rio, Tokyo, and Paris, took a well-deserved break in 2025. Instead of chasing medals, he focused on building a career in investing and embraced a new role as a father alongside his wife, Bridget Konttinen, who welcomed their daughter, Eevi, in January 2025. Yet, the allure of competing on home soil proved too strong to resist. As Murphy himself put it in a recent interview with NBC Sports Bay Area & California’s Matt Maiocco, ‘I know I’d regret it if I tried to pass up that opportunity.’
But let’s rewind for a moment. Murphy’s Olympic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. In Rio 2016, he burst onto the scene, sweeping both the 100m and 200m backstroke events and anchoring the U.S. men’s 4x100m medley relay to gold—all while shattering the world record in the 100m back. Tokyo 2021 saw him add another relay gold, along with silver and bronze in the individual events. And in Paris 2024, he continued his streak, leading the U.S. mixed 4x100m medley relay to a world-record-breaking gold, while also securing silver and bronze in other events.
With seven LC World Championship titles and nine short course world titles to his name, Murphy’s resume is as impressive as it gets. Yet, his absence last summer was felt deeply by Team USA. At the 2025 World Championships, the American men struggled in the backstroke events, failing to reach the finals in either the 100m or 200m back—a stark contrast to their usual dominance. Even their bronze in the 4x100m medley relay felt like a consolation prize, marking their worst finish in the event’s history.
Now, as Murphy gears up for LA 2028, questions linger. Can he reclaim his spot at the top after time away? Will age be a factor, or will experience prove to be his greatest asset? One thing’s for sure: his return has already sparked excitement and debate among fans and critics alike.
While he won’t be competing at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships this summer, Murphy is expected to make a splash at the U.S. Nationals in Irvine and potentially the Short Course World Championship selection meet in the fall. And let’s not forget his connection to the sport beyond the pool—his recruitment to Cal, his friendship with Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, and his unwavering love for his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars all add layers to his story.
But here’s the real question: Is Ryan Murphy’s comeback a testament to his unyielding passion for swimming, or is he setting himself up for a fall? Let us know what you think in the comments below. One thing’s certain—his journey to LA 2028 will be one to watch.
