Ryan Murphy (born July 2, 1995) is an American competitive swimmer who specializes in backstroke. He is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and world-record holder in the men's 100-meter backstroke (long course).

At the 2016 Summer Olympics, Murphy swept the backstroke events by winning gold in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke. Murphy also won gold in the 4×100-meter medley relay and his leadoff backstroke leg broke Aaron Peirsol's former world record set in 2009.

Murphy graduated from Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida in 2013 and went on to the University of California, Berkeley. Swimming for the California Golden Bears, he is a six-time NCAA individual national champion, winning the 100-yard and 200-yard backstrokes in 2014, 2015, and 2016.

Murphy is a Roman Catholic who credits his athleticism to God: “I believe God has given me a great talent, for which I’m eternally grateful. My faith gives me comfort despite the outcome of a race. I ultimately believe ― I know ― God has a larger plan for me.”

In 2011, Murphy earned the first international medals in his career, both in the 200-meter backstroke. At the 2011 World Junior Swimming Championships in Lima, Murphy won a bronze medal in the 200-meter backstroke with a time of 1:59.63. Later in 2011, at the 2011 Pan American Games, Murphy won another bronze also in the 200-meter backstroke. In the final, he recorded a time of 1:58.50.

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