MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. -- This year, the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team brought home 33 medals. Eight of those medals belong to SwimMAC Carolina swimmers like Kathleen Baker, a first time Olympian and now gold medalist.
“It feels so surreal to me, I was definitely surprised with how well I did,” said Baker. “I was not suited to win a medal in the 100 back [stroke].”
Six of the seven swimmers representing the Tar Heel State at the Olympic games are part of SwimMAC Carolina.
Many of them finished with gold medals like Anthony Ervin who competed in his third Olympics and became the oldest swim champion at 35.
“Each time gets better because I'm a little older, a little wiser; I have a better understanding of what it's all about. I'm blessed to have the gift to be competing at this high level,” said Ervin.
U.S. Women’s Olympic Swim Coach David Marsh has been preparing swimmers for the Olympic games since 2007. He said this year’s team was special because of the leadership from fellow swimmers behind the scenes.
"Elizabeth Beisel, a gal who didn't win any medals, I'm telling you she was probably our biggest leader, our biggest captain with her attitude and the energy she gave the team,” said Marsh.
And now that the games are over, many swimmers say they're glad to be back home with some of their biggest fans.
“It’s just incredible the amount of support I have at home and I got to see it through social media just means the world to me. I just love that I have this many people behind me along the way,” said Baker.