Eric Shanteau

Sport: Swimming

Nation: United States of America

DOB: October 1, 1983

Hometown: Lilburn, GA

Career Highlights: Shanteau will make his second trip to the Olympics. He memorably competed in Beijing in 2008 against doctors’ orders after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, finishing in 10th place in the 200-meter breaststroke. The decision allowed his father, Richard, to watch him compete in China before the elder Shanteau died of lung cancer in 2010. Eric Shanteau will not be competing in his preferred 200 backstroke, however, in London. He and co-favorite Brendan Hansen both finished out of the top two in that event behind Scott Weltz and Clark Burckle, with Shanteau being edged out by the touch of Burckle for second place. Instead, Shanteau finished second to Hansen as both men qualified in the 100 backstroke. Shanteau has earned two golds and a bronze over three appearances in the world championships, most recently taking home gold as part of the 400 medley relay team in 2011. He finished fourth in the 200 breaststroke last year at the worlds and at nationals.

Olympic History: 2008