Brendan Hansen Recovering from Double Knee Tendon Tears

USA Swimming's National Junior Team Director and six-time Olympic medalist Brendan Hansen is recovering from a double patellar tendon tear in his knees. The injury occurred during a cannonball contest on July 4th, as Hansen shared on his Instagram.

He detailed a ten-week recovery journey so far. This process has involved multiple stages of mobility assistance.

Recovery Timeline and Progress

Hansen outlined his post-surgery progression in a social media post. He spent four weeks in a wheelchair before advancing to using a walker, then crutches, and then braces. He is now five weeks into his rehabilitation program and reports he is walking without braces and able to ride a bike.

In his post, Hansen reflected on the personal lessons from the experience. "What I continue to learn about myself is 'being consistent and present' are super powers!" he wrote. He added that his "level of gratitude for the smallest moments is insane" and stated he is ready for the next steps.

Role with USA Swimming

Brendan Hansen was appointed the National Junior Team Director for USA Swimming in October 2024. He had previously served as the organization's Director of Team Services starting in 2019. His appointment came just before USA Swimming announced its 97-athlete National Junior Team roster last week.

Hansen's Competitive Career

The former swimmer compiled a storied career in the pool. Hansen won six Olympic medals. His achievements include four consecutive gold medals in the 4x100 meter medley relay across the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympic Games.

He also earned three individual Olympic medals. His sole individual silver medal came in the 100-meter breaststroke at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Beyond the Olympics, Hansen was a four-time long-course individual world champion. He first won a world title in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2001. He achieved a double at the 2005 World Championships in Montreal, winning both the 100 and 200 breaststroke events. His final individual world championship gold came in the 100-meter breaststroke at the 2007 meet in Melbourne. His career began shortly after narrowly missing selection for the US Olympic team for the 2000 Sydney Games.