Where'd all those gold medalists go?

The 2016 Summer Olympics are happening right now in Rio and after watching those U.S. gymnasts nab a gold medal in pretty much every competition, it got me thinking - what happened to all the other medalists through history?

I mean, there's been plenty of them but after all the hoopla simmers and parties die down, America seems to stop caring about them. Where'd they go? What are they up to?

If you're now wondering the same thing then you're also in luck because I did some research and made a list. Here are the current happenings for a list of former olympians:

Mark Spitz

As a swimmer, Spitz competed in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics, winning a total of nine gold medals. He is most known for swimming with a mustache but after he retired and shaved that off, Americans lost track of the man. Well according to Wikipedia, Spitz now has acid reflux, works in stocks and is dabbling in the "water business." Well, alright then.

Apolo Anton Ohno

I didn't grow up with any knowledge of speed skating but Mr. Ohno and his long, flowy hair changed that. I remember watching him skate, partly because he was from the Northwest but mostly because he was really good. Ohno grew up in Seattle, as a teen trained with the most elite adult racers and won most of his medals on "technicalities" and disqualifications - LEGEND. But a win is a win, right? Right. Ohno has since made television show cameos and partaken in a few Dancing With the Stars seasons. Niiiiiice.

Carl Lewis

The former track and field athlete's career included nine olympic gold medals and world record-breaking performances. Lewis mostly competed in sprints although his indoor long jump world record has stood since 1984. Despite reports accusing him of continually taking banned substances throughout his career, Lewis was voted "World Athlete of the Century," "Sportsman of the Century" and "Olympian of the Century." Since his professional athletic days, Lewis has ventured into acting and even ran for a Democratic seat in the New Jersey Senate. He now owns a marketing firm.

Kerri Strug

In perhaps one of the most famous gymnastics competitions in history, Kerri Strug competed for team USA in a crucial must-win situation against the notoriously strong Romanian and Russian teams at the 1996 Olympics. At the final event in the team competition rotation, team USA was on vault and team Romania was on floor. Strug was the last to go and her first vault ended with her ankle "cracking" upon lading, adding to USA's woes as their other vault performances were shaky. Though Strug could barely walk, her coach said the team needed her last vault to clinch the win so she went for it. Her ankle cracked even louder on landing this time, completely tearing the ligaments, however her score was strong enough to give team USA the overall win.

Since then, Strug has been an elementary school teacher, government worker and active marathon runner. She's also been in commercials for the Zaxby's restaurant chain.

Michael Phelps

He's still swimming. And still winning.

Bruce Jenner

Brucey won the 1974 Summer Olympic Games in the decathlete event. He was regarded as the image of masculinity and athleticism for years, as that gold medal-winning performance put the competition to shame. That race set a personal

best and brought USA home the gold. Since 1974, Bruce has married the ex-wife of OJ Simpson's lawyer, starred in a reality television show about family and turned into a Caitlyn - which she won an ESPY for. Caitlyn now tours the country with other gal pals, starring in her own reality show, "I Am Cait." Of all the athletes in this list, it's safe to say Ms. Jenner's life has been the most exciting by yet another competition landslide.

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Comment below if you find yourself pondering the whereabouts of more former athletes - perhaps I'll continue the list. :)

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