By Katherine Hunter
Snakkle.com

Cue John Williams' "Olympic Fanfare" -- who's excited for the 2012 London Olympics this summer? From Bruce Jenner’s 1976 decathlon win to gymnast Mary Lou Retton's 1984 perfect-10 vault to swimmer Dara Torres' 2008 triumph at 41, we are celebrating the upcoming Games with some superstars of past summers. Check out these nine Olympians and where they are today.

Famous Olympians Before They Were Famous

 

Favorite Olympians Before They Were Famous

Who am I?

 

Michael Phelps

One of the most decorated Olympians of all time, swimmer Michael Phelps currently holds the record for the most gold medals won at a single Olympics. The mega-athlete won eight golds at the 2008 Beijing Games, breaking Mark Spitz’s record. Phelps also holds 14 gold medals, another all-time record, as well as two bronze. His great success made him the American hero of the last Olympics, as well as Sports Illustrated’s 2008 Sportsman of the Year. After the 2008 Games, he started the Michael Phelps Foundation, which promotes swimming and a healthy lifestyle. Phelps continues to compete today and plans on participating in the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games. We can look forward to seeing what new records Phelps may break in London.

 

Favorite Olympians Before They Were Famous

Who am I?

 

Mary Lou Retton

The unquestionable darling of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was Mary Lou Retton, a pert 16-year-old gymnast from West Virginia. Retton charmed audiences and judges alike by scoring perfect 10s on her floor routine and vault, winning the all-around title for the Games. Here is Retton in her brightest Olympic moment. This earned the Bela Karolyi-coached gymnast an appearance on the Wheaties cereal box and Sports Illustrated's Sportswoman of the Year. After her success in the 1984 Games, Retton went on to several lucrative endorsements, including becoming the first official spokesperson for Wheaties. Today she frequently works as a commentator for various gymnastics events.

 

Favorite Olympians Before They Were Famous

Who am I?

 

Mark Spitz

Swimmer Mark Spitz became an American hero when he won seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Games. After his great success in Munich, Spitz retired from competition at the age of 22. He went on to sign several lucrative endorsements, while a poster featuring Spitz, his bathing suit, and his seven gold medals made him a popular pinup. He was voted one of the six greatest Olympians by Sports Illustrated in 2000. Today, Spitz works as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur.

 

Favorite Olympians Before They Were Famous

Who am I?

 

Greg Louganis

Diver Greg Louganis was a star of both the 1984 Los Angeles and the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where he won gold in both the springboard and tower diving events. After the Games, Louganis enjoyed lucrative endorsements until he disclosed his HIV status in his 1995 best-selling autobiography Breaking the Surface. Only Speedo stood by the athlete, endorsing the diver until 2007. Today, Louganis works as a diving coach and an HIV activist. Actor Michael Fassbender cites Louganis as his physical inspiration for playing an android in the upcoming Ridley Scott film "Prometheus."

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Famous Olympians
Before They Were Famous ...
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