David Larson
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Medal record | |||
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David Larson |
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Men's Swimming | |||
Competitor for the United States | |||
Olympic Games | |||
Gold | 1984 Los Angeles | 4x200m Freestyle | |
Pan American Games | |||
Gold | 1983 Caracas | 4x200m Freestyle | |
Silver | 1979 San Juan | 200m Freestyle |
David Larson (born June 25, 1959) is a former swimmer from the United States, originally from Georgia. He attended and swam for the Bolles School during high school in Jacksonville, Florida. He earned All-American honors in several events and was National record holder in the 400-yard free relay.
After graduation from the Bolles School in 1977, he attended the University of Florida where he swam for coach Randy Reese. David won several national championships at UF on the 800-yard free relay, setting American and NCAA records. He finished second in the 200-yard freestyle to Rowdy Gaines of Auburn in 1981, but then out-swam him on the final leg of the 800-yard free relay to claim first place!!
Larson was named to the 1980 US Olympic Team, but was unable to compete since President Jimmy Carter did not allow the United States to send a team to the Moscow Olympics in protest of the Russian/Soviet invasion of Afganistan. David was a favorite to win several medals in 1980. Larson was on the 1984 US Olympic Team that competed in Los Angeles, California and won gold medal on the men's 800-meter free relay team, beating the favored West German team, anchored by Michael Gross. Larson was also named to several other US National Swim Teams, representing the United States.