Mike Burton, three-time Olympic swimming champion, dies at 79

Mike Burton, who won three Olympic gold medals in swimming, has died at the age of 79 after battling Alzheimer's and dementia. His son, Eric Burton, announced the news on Facebook. Burton was the first American to secure gold in the 1,500-meter freestyle at consecutive Olympics, achieving this feat in 1968 and 1972. He also won the 400-meter freestyle in 1968. Despite a challenging diagnosis prior to the 1972 Munich Games, Burton successfully defended his 1,500 title and set a world record. He made significant contributions to the sport both as an athlete and later as a coach, and he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1977.

• 2:24 AMYahoo Sports — Mike Burton, 3-time Olympic swimming champion, dies at 79 after battle with Alzheimer's