The Future Face of Women’s Swimming: Melissa “Missy the Missile” Franklin

17-year old Missy Franklin became a household name overnight by winning her first gold in the 100 meter backstroke at the 2012 London Olympics. Missy has won a total of five medals this Olympics, four being gold, broke two world records and five American records. Her contagious smile, character and swimming talents have won the hearts of many in the USA and across the world.  Missy is the first woman in American history to swim seven events at the Olympics. 

Missy was born in Pasadena, California and raised in Aurora, Colorado where at the early age of 5, Grandma Franklin noticed her swimming talents.  She was urged to move to California to swim but she decided to stay in Colorado with her family, friends and coach of ten years- Todd Schmitz.  Missy, being a dual citizen, chose to represent the United States citing her love for country after being urged to compete for Canada by her mother.

After the 2012 Olympics, Missy will go back to Regis Jesuit High in Aurora Colorado for her senior year and plans to stay amateur and swim for her high school swim team one last time.  She will then prepare for the Rio Olympics in 2016 and many will be eagerly awaiting America’s Sweetheart to represent the USA in swimming once more.

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Active/ Available New Listings

503 9th St. -   5bd + 3ba.  $2,288,000.  1927 Vintage house apx. 3,261 sq. ft. with lots of charm on the corner of 9th & Marguerita.  Great price for a property in prime location north of Montana a few blocks from Montana Ave. and close to Roosevelt Elementary.  Last sales date was in 1974 based on property records.

New Sales (Now In Escrow/ Sale Pending)

145 Ocean Avenue Ext. -   5bd + 5.5ba.  $5,549,000.  Sold by Pence Hathorn Silver.  One-of-a-kind five-level home with unparalleled ocean, mountain and canyon views.  Cannot be replicated with today’s building size restrictions.  Apx. 5,200+ of luxury and  sophistication with modern amenities and superb craftsmanship.  Last sold in October 2002 for $3,100,000.

309 18th St. -   4bd + 3.5ba.  $3,888,000.  Two story Spanish  features hardwood floors,  vaulted ceilings,  separate game room.  Last sold in 1994 for $975,000.

343 14th St. -   4bd + 4.5ba.  $3,650,000.  Sold by Pence Hathorn Silver.  Custom built in 1998 and sold for $1,345,000, it has been updated/expanded since then.  Over 4,000 sq. ft. on an apx. 7,500 ft lot.  Beautiful section of tree lined 14th St.  Last sold in 2000 for $846,000.

Sold/ Closed

317 Marguerita Ave. -   5bd + 4.5ba.  $4,250,000.   This house sold in 2010 for $2,960,000 and I thought it would get torn down. It’s nice to see that someone rehabbed it instead.  Lots of tech features, great location, pool, fully priced, imo.

422 22nd St. -   5bd + 4.5ba.  $2,770,000.   Greek-inspired villa with tropical and contemporary style combined. Unique in many ways with great scale and a very nice back yard.