pstrongThe limited shelf life of Olympic athletes collapsed in 1980 for Rowdy Gaines and about 280 other elite U.S. athletes when President Jimmy Carter announced America would boycott the Games in Moscow. strongp pstrongInstead of distinguishing his country on an international stage, the world's fastest swimmer found himself instead languishing in the lifeguard chair at his hometown pool. strongp pstrongAuthor Dainon Moody details a story of Gaines' resurrection during an earlier era when sponsorships eluded star swimmers. Rather than cashing checks for wearing sports-company merchandise, the 20-something competitor worked nights as a hotel desk clerk, practiced laps for hours each day and lived in virtual poverty. Moody's driving voice captures the naysayers who dismissed the old guy in the pool and then it brings home the explosive performances that delivered three gold medals before cheering throngs at the Olympics in Los Angeles. strongp pstrongBut Rowdy Rising takes readers beyon