US Rio swimmer aimed for Olympic career at age 8

He dreamed big at a very young age, and fulfilled that dream in 13 years.

American swimmer Ryan Murphy won the 100-meter backstroke in the 2016 Rio Olympics on Monday night, grabbing his first gold medal in his athletic career.

Years ago as an eight-year-old, Murphy penned a letter to his parents, enumerating his steep dream to be an Olympian including setting an astounding world record and being “the best swimmer in the world.” Moreover, he sketched a mini-portrait of himself with his sparkling gold medal.

American broadcasting network NBC posted the gleeful letter on its Twitter account.

Ryan Murphy wrote this when he was a young boy. Ryan, this isn't the end – it's just the beginning! #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/zCEFfrCMDb

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 9, 2016

“I hope my swimming life continues and I become an Olympian when I grow up,” Murphy, now 21, doodled in his letter. “I hope I will break the world records. I want to be the best swimmer in the world.”

Although he did not stamp a world record in his beloved sport, he was able to achieve one of his childhood goals, which is to own a gold medal.  Gianna Francesca Catolico