How Old is Ryan Murphy Swimmer: All You Need to Know About Ryan Murphy

Ryan Murphy, a name synonymous with dominance in backstroke swimming, has carved out an illustrious career in the pool. With multiple Olympic medals, world championship titles, and world records under his belt, Murphy is a standout athlete whose age, personal life, and journey continue to spark curiosity. In this article, we’ll dive into the question, “How old is Ryan Murphy swimmer?”, and cover all you need to know about Ryan Murphy — from his early life and family to his current professional and personal achievements.
Quick Bio: How Old is Ryan Murphy Swimmer
Full Name | Ryan Fitzgerald Murphy |
---|---|
Date of Birth | July 2, 1995 |
Age (As of 2025) | 29 years old |
Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Professional Swimmer |
Specialty | Backstroke |
Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
Olympic Medals | 6 (4 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze) |
Education | University of California, Berkeley |
Current Residence | Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
Marital Status | Not Married |
Children | None |
Social Media | @ryan_f_murphy (Instagram) |
Who Is Ryan Murphy?
Ryan Murphy is a world-renowned American swimmer who specializes in backstroke. He made his Olympic debut in Rio 2016, capturing three gold medals and instantly becoming a household name in the world of competitive swimming. Known for his elegant technique and relentless work ethic, Murphy has represented the United States at multiple Olympic Games, World Championships, and Pan Pacific Championships.
Outside of the pool, Murphy is admired for his discipline, sportsmanship, and leadership. He’s become a mentor for young swimmers and an ambassador for clean sport, having openly advocated for fair competition during international events.

Early Life and Background
Ryan Fitzgerald Murphy was born on July 2, 1995, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Pat and Katy Murphy. He grew up in a sports-loving family with two older siblings, and it quickly became evident that Ryan was athletically gifted. At just five years old, he started swimming and showed natural ability in the backstroke.
When Ryan was young, his family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, a move that helped shape his future in swimming. He joined the Bolles School Sharks swim team, a program known for producing Olympic-level swimmers. Under expert coaching and with top-tier facilities, Ryan developed into a rising star in youth swimming circuits.
Age and Physical Appearance
So, to answer the main question — How old is Ryan Murphy swimmer? As of 2025, Ryan Murphy is 29 years old.
His physical attributes contribute significantly to his success in the pool:
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters)
- Weight: 205 pounds (93 kilograms)
- Build: Athletic, muscular
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Hazel
Murphy’s height, long wingspan, and flexible shoulders make him ideally suited for the backstroke. Combined with his powerful kick and efficient underwater technique, he remains one of the top swimmers in his discipline globally.
Education
Ryan Murphy attended The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida — a well-known institution with a strong reputation in both academics and athletics. He graduated in 2013 and soon committed to swim for the University of California, Berkeley.
At Cal Berkeley, Murphy majored in Business Administration at the prestigious Haas School of Business. He was also a four-time NCAA champion and played a key role in leading the California Golden Bears to NCAA team victories. His college years helped him polish his skills and prepare for the international stage.
His Father
Ryan Murphy’s father, Pat Murphy, has been a steady presence in his life and career. Though not a public figure, Pat played a significant role in Ryan’s early development by fostering discipline and encouraging him to pursue excellence in sports and education.
In interviews, Ryan has often mentioned his father’s influence in helping him stay grounded, work hard, and remain focused on long-term goals — both in and out of the pool.
His Mother
Ryan’s mother, Katy Murphy, has also played a pivotal role in his journey. She was actively involved in his swimming career from a young age — attending meets, helping with training logistics, and providing unwavering emotional support.
Katy has been described as nurturing yet strong, and her encouragement allowed Ryan to maintain balance between his demanding training schedules and personal life. Her role in shaping Ryan’s character and resilience cannot be overstated.
Children
As of 2025, Ryan Murphy does not have any children. The swimmer has remained focused on his professional career, which involves intense training, international travel, and representing the United States at major competitions.
Although he is active on social media, Murphy keeps his private life relatively low-key and has not publicly shared any details about starting a family in the near future.
Current Life
Swimming Career and Accomplishments
Ryan Murphy is currently one of the most accomplished backstroke swimmers in the world. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- Olympic Gold Medals:
- 100m Backstroke – Rio 2016
- 200m Backstroke – Rio 2016
- 4x100m Medley Relay – Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020
- Olympic Silver Medal:
- 200m Backstroke – Tokyo 2020
- Olympic Bronze Medal:
- 100m Backstroke – Tokyo 2020
- World Championship Titles:
- Multiple gold and silver medals in individual and relay backstroke events
Advocacy for Clean Sport
Murphy is also well-known for speaking out against doping in swimming. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he made headlines for comments expressing concerns about fair competition in the sport, earning both criticism and praise for his bold stance.
Lifestyle and Hobbies
Outside of swimming, Ryan enjoys:
- Golfing
- Traveling
- Volunteering
- Reading business and motivational books
He is also involved in charity work, including collaborations with children’s hospitals and organizations promoting sports for underprivileged youth.
Training and Coaching
Murphy trains under the guidance of top coaches and continues to prepare for major events, including the 2025 World Aquatics Championships and the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Conclusion: How Old is Ryan Murphy Swimmer
To summarize the main point — How old is Ryan Murphy swimmer? As of 2025, Ryan Murphy is 29 years old and remains a dominant force in international backstroke events. From his early beginnings in Chicago and Jacksonville to his Olympic glory and college success at Cal Berkeley, Murphy’s life has been one of dedication, discipline, and excellence.
With his eyes set on future competitions and a deep desire to inspire the next generation, Ryan Murphy is more than just a swimmer — he’s a role model, a leader, and a champion both in and out of the pool.
FAQs About Ryan Murphy
1. How old is Ryan Murphy swimmer?
Ryan Murphy is 29 years old as of 2025. He was born on July 2, 1995.
2. What is Ryan Murphy known for?
He is known for being a world-class backstroke swimmer and Olympic gold medalist representing the United States.
3. Does Ryan Murphy have children?
No, Ryan Murphy does not have any children.
4. Where did Ryan Murphy go to college?
He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a standout collegiate swimmer and NCAA champion.
5. What swimming events does Ryan Murphy compete in?
Murphy specializes in the 100m and 200