Chasing the Olympic Trials Dream at 46 with Gabrielle Rose

Many of us grew up with implicit–and sometimes explicit–messages to be small, both in our physical selves and in our power. Now, as we hit midlife, we’re increasingly rejecting those BS limitations and seeing just how powerful we can be. That’s exactly what two-time Olympian Gabrielle Rose did in her mid-40s when she set her sights on the 2024 Olympic Trials, were she achieved personal bests in both the 100- (1:08.32) and 200-meter breaststroke (2:30.13), advancing to the semifinals as the oldest competitor on deck at age 46, exactly 20 years after her last Olympic Trials in 2004. We talk all about her history in the sport and how her training has evolved over the decades, as well as what led to her comeback and how it has completely lit a fire for her future.

Gabrielle Rose competed in the 1996 games for Brazil. In 2000, at the age of 22, she swam for Team USA at the Games in Sydney. She pursued her Olympic dreams through 2004, but unfortunately was struck by mononucleosis and missed a spot on the US team, leaving her swimming dreams on the table, until 20 years later. Rose is a mom of a 9-year-old daughter and coaches swimmers in California where she resides. She is the executive director of The Rose Foundation, which invests in athletic facilities and educational opportunities in her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, particularly aimed at benefiting at-risk populations in the city.