Steve Genter

Robert Steven Genter (born January 4, 1951) is an American former competition swimmer and three-time Olympic medalist. He was freestyle specialist who earned a gold medal as a member of the winning U.S. team in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. He also won silver medals in the 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle events.

Steve Genter

Genter at the 1972 Olympics
Personal information
Full name	Robert Steven Genter
Nickname(s)	"Steve", "Curly"
National team	United States
Born	(1951-01-04) January 4, 1951 Artesia, California
Height	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg)
Sport
Sport	Swimming
Strokes	Freestyle
College team	University of California, Los Angeles
Medal record Men's swimming Representing the United States Olympic Games 1972 Munich 4×200 m freestyle 1972 Munich 200 m freestyle 1972 Munich 400 m freestyle Pan American Games 1971 Cali 4×100 m freestyle 1971 Cali 4×200 m freestyle 1971 Cali 400 m freestyle Universiade 1970 Turin 400 m freestyle 1970 Turin 1500 m freestyle

In high school, Genter was an All-American in both swimming and water polo. At the 1972 Olympics, he had a collapsed lung several days before the 200-meter freestyle event. Doctors advised him to withdraw; he refused, competed, and won a silver medal. Genter would shave his head before swim meets, for which he was given the nickname "Curly".[1]