Robert Margalis has become a veteran in the world of swimming; making strides on the international level for over eight years. In 2001, Margalis was a member of the US team at the World Championships held in Fukuoka, Japan. He swam in four events at the meet. Later in 2003, he had his first taste of international victory when he won a gold medal at the Pan American Games in the 400 Individual Medley. Finishing 2006 ranked fifth in the world and with a first place finish at the U.S. Open in the 1500m freestyle , he competed in the 2007 Pan American Games the following year. There he captured three silver medals in the 200 and 400m Individual Medley and as a part of the 800m freestyle relay. Most recently on the world stage, Margalis helped set the American record in the 800m short course freestyle relay at the 2008 World Championships. Individually, he secured a silver in the 400 Individual Medley. On the national level,  Margalis has been a presence in the finals of the 400 Individual Medley for years. At the 2005 ConocoPhillips National Championships in Irvine, CA, Margalis won the event in 4:18.66, and also placed second in the 1500m freestyle-demonstrating his diverse range of talent. USA Swimming’s 2007 Spring Championships was a highlight for Margalis, as he swept four events- the 200m butterfly, 400m freestyle, 400m Individual Medley, and 800m freestyle. The performance earned him his second USA Swimming Kiphuth Award (the first in 2001). As a member of the Georgia Bulldogs from 2000 to 2004, Margalis had great success at the NCAA Championships. In 2003 he won the 400y Individual Medley, in a fast 3:39.93. Throughout his career, he was a four-time All-American. Margalis most recently spent a year in France, training with the French National Team. Living with his wife, Beth, he now continues to train on the Athlens Bulldog Swim club with hopes of further adding to his long list of hard-earned accomplishments.