Amy Van Dyken is an American swimmer who has six career Olympic gold medals. Four of these gold medals came in the 1996 Summer Olympics, making her the first American woman to accomplish such a feat. She won gold in the 50 meter free, 100 meter butterfly, 4 x 100 meter freestyle relay, and the 4 x 100 meter medley relay. Van Dyken is an asthmatic who suffered from severe asthma throughout her childhood and into adulthood. She began swimming on the advice of a doctor as a way to strengthen her lungs to cope with her condition and prevent future asthma attacks.

Born February 15, 1973 her primary personality traits are represented by the Chinese Zodiac elemental animal sign, the Water OX. The Ox combines the qualities (steady, composed and tenacious) of the tortoise in the fabled race with the hare and the legendary Hercules, strength of mind and body, solid throughout. She is capable of tackling the toughest projects. Furthermore, she is thorough and methodical, never losing sight of the myriad details involved.Not every Ox is a workaholic, but it is true she is generally thought of as hard working and reliable. The Water OX is often well liked and popular because she is more sensitive and flexible than others of this sign and yet retains its basic strength and sense of responsibility. Although the typical Ox is often a loner, she can be quite social.