Meg Keller-Marvin, Author at International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF)

The Every Child a Swimmer program is dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to the life-saving skill of swimming. As a division of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, we work to eliminate barriers to swim education by providing scholarships for swim lessons, partnering with swim schools, and advocating for water safety legislation across the United States. Through education, awareness, and collaboration, we are creating a generation of confident swimmers, building safer communities, and saving lives.

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an incredible year filled with tremendous growth,impactful partnerships, and countless moments of hope and achievement. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our partners—individuals and organizations who share our passion for creating swimmers and saving lives.

This year, we partnered with over 300 swim schools across the country, resulting in a remarkable investment of over $500,000 in swim lessons for children. This is a significant leap from 2023, when we were able to teach 610 children to swim, equating to $150,000. These numbers are more than statistics—they represent lives changed, opportunities unlocked, and communities strengthened.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are setting our sights even higher. Our goal is to quadruple the number of children impacted. With your help, we can make this vision a reality. Every dollar donated goes directly to providing children with the essential life skill of swimming—empowering them with safety, confidence, and a brighter future.

In the year to come, we’re aiming even higher. Our goal is to quadruple the number of childrenimpacted, but we can’t do it alone.

Here’s how you can help make this vision a reality:

Donate: Every dollar goes directly to funding swim lessons for children in need.

Partner with Us: Swim schools and organizations can join our growing network to expand our each.

Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network to help build a wave of support.Every contribution—whether financial, partnership-driven, or through advocacy—gets us closer to a future where every child has access to the life-saving skill of swimming.

Why this matters… Swimming is more than a skill; It’s a bridge to safety, confidence, and opportunity. By working together, we’re creating a legacy of water safety, ensuring that more children can enjoy a brighter, safer future. Together. Let’s dive into 2025 with renewed energy and determination to create even more swimmers.

The Sport of Diving loses a Legend: Dr. Ron O’Brien dies at age 86 at home in Naples, Florida

Dr. Ron O’Brien, a legend in the sport of diving has died at the age of 86. As a Coach, no one can compare to the resume O’Brien created in the sport of diving. He was an eight-time USA Olympic Diving Coach, seven-time Head Coach, beginning in 1968, continuing through every Olympiad until his last in 1996. He was a seven-time USA World Championship Head Coach, four-time USA Pan American Games Head Coach and seven-time USA World Cup Head Coach. O’Brien has coached more Olympians than we can count, winning five gold, three silver and four bronze, but will probably be best remembered for the 1988 Olympic Games, when he coached Greg Louganis to his second double gold medal performance in the 3-meter springboard and 10-meter platform events, making Louganis the only man to accomplish back-to-back double gold medals in Olympic diving history. All totaled in major competitions, O’Brien divers have won 196 gold, 113 silver and 106 bronze medals.

His coaching career began after a brief stint at Minnesota ~ O’Brien was then named the Head Diving Coach at his alma mater, the Ohio State University where he coached from 1963-1978. He eventually moved to Southern California in 1978, where he became Head Coach of the Mission Viejo Nadadores. It was in Mission Viejo that O’Brien won an astounding 38 Team Titles, and in 1984 the United States swept all four gold medals at the World Championships, the only time this has ever been accomplished and the first time any country has swept a major international world class event since 1952. The divers were all coached by O’Brien.

His Olympic medalists include: Jennifer Chandler (1976), Debbie Keplar Wilson (1976), Greg Louganis (1984, 1988), Michelle Mitchell(1984, 1988), Wendy Wyland (1984), Scott Donie (1992) and Mary Ellen Clark (1992, 1996).

In 1985, O’Brien headed to South Florida to coach at a brand new facility called Mission Bay in Boca Raton, where he stayed until 1990. He hit the ground running; the very next year in 1986, all 12 United States Diving individual National Titles were won by Ron O’Brien divers. O’Brien won 16 Team Titles while at Mission Bay and was soon inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) as an Honor Coach in 1988.

In 1990, The City of Fort Lauderdale, home to ISHOF, hired O’Brien as the Director of Diving and Head Diving Coach at the Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex. There, O’Brien won 20 Team Titles in all, and a majority his athletes competed in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, with O’Brien serving as Head Coach. Pat Jeffrey, Karen LaFace, Kent Ferguson, Scott Donie, Jenny Keim, Mary Ellen Clark, and David Pichler were all members of the Fort Lauderdale Diving Team.

In addition to coaching Olympians in Fort Lauderdale, O’Brien served as the National Technical Director for USA Diving from 1991-2004.

After the 1996 Olympic Games, O’Brien retired from actively coaching on deck. In 1996, He was named Diving Special Events Coordinator at the Hall of Fame Aquatics Complex for the City of Fort Lauderdale, where he remained until 2008. He was named High Performance Director for USA Diving in 2004, where he served for the next four years. Once retired, he created and operated “Divers to College”, an online college recruiting website, exclusively for divers and diving. He was always looking to help the “diver”.

Ron O’Brien produced a United States National Champion in 25 of his 30 years as a coach and had a National Champion for 24 consecutive years, from 1973 through his very last year in 1996. Awards started almost immediately in his career. In 1974, O’Brien was presented the Mike Malone Award, given for outstanding contributions to United States Diving. In 1976, O’Brien was given the Fred Cady Award for coaching an Olympic Champion and the James A. Rhodes Award for participation in the 1976 Olympic Games. He was awarded the Mike Peppe Memorial Award, an unprecedented 14 times, first in 1979, and the last time was his final year of coaching, in 1996. In 1993, he was given the WHOSAM Award, which is given for commitment to excellence and dedication in the sport of Diving. In 1996, he won the United States Olympic Committee’s Diving Coach of the Year, as well as the Phil Boggs Award, given for outstanding contributions to United States Diving.

In addition to ISHOF in 1988, O’Brien was inducted into The Ohio State University Hall of Fame in 1984; he was a 1996 Inductee into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame; in 2004, he was inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame. Most recently, O’Brien was inducted as part of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame Class of 2019 as an Honor Coach, one of only six coaches to ever be inducted.

On May 23, 2015, the city of Fort Lauderdale inducted Dr. Ron O’Brien with a star embedded on Fort Lauderdale Beach on the City’s Walk of Fame as part of its sixth annual Great American Beach Party celebration. The City followed up on January 7, 2020 by proclaiming it Ron O’Brien Day in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

O’Brien was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on March 14, 1938. He became interested in diving and gymnastics at the Pittsburgh YMCA, where he began his athletic career. He went on to attend college at the Ohio State University, earning six varsity letters in both diving and gymnastics. He became the NCAA National Champion on the 1-meter in 1959, NCAA All-American on both the 1- and 3-meter in 1957, 1958, 1959, and the AAU National Champion on the 3-meter in 1961. In 1960, at the U.S. Diving Olympic Trials, O’Brien placed third, missing making the Olympic Team by one place. Not making the team, sent him into coaching, and created a coaching legend that may never be replicated. On May 20, 2010, Ohio State University named their diving well, the Ron O’Brien Dive Well, in his honor.

Dr. Ron O’Brien leaves behind his wife of over 60 years, Mary Jane, daughter Anne, son Tim, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

“I am grateful for the unconditional love he showed me. I was an instrument of his creation. He told me, “Greg, they will forget you and what you did, but they will always remember your records.” He is the only reason they exist. Thank you Rono, for your love.” Greg Louganis, Olympic gold medalist, 1984, 1988 4-time Olympic gold medalist.

“We have many great memories of Ron, knowing each other since Mexico 1968 Olympics and more recently with your wonderful family, when you invited the whole Italian Team to your home. You have been one of the greatest coaches in the world, working with most of the best American divers gaining many Olympic medals, but specially being a fantastic man and husband. A big hug from Klaus and Giorgio and all the Italian divers…RIP” Klaus DiBiasi (3 gold, 2 silver) and Giorgio Cagnotto (2 silver 2 bronze), Italian Olympic Divers.

“Ron was the gentleman’s coach. A class act, humble and quiet. But boy did he know just what to say at the right moment. He coached and helped so many top divers and other coaches in the sport of diving. He was beloved around the world and will be greatly missed.” Michelle Mitchell, 1984, 1988 Olympic Silver medalist

“Ron was a legendary Coach, but an even better person and friend. We will all miss him dearly.” Steve McFarland, former President USA Diving, World Aquatics Technical Diving Committee

“I didn’t know Ron that well, as I was a Michigander and Ronnie was from Ohio State, but I absolutely admired the way he worked with his divers and the person he was.” Bobby Webster, two-time Olympic gold medalist, 1960, 1964, 10-meter platform

“To be coached by Ron was such an honor. He was a class act coaching his athletes to their potential while teaching life skills through mentorship. He helped the world of diving step into excellence with grace and humbleness. Ron was motivated by coaching the entire person so we could learn the life lessons through sport to then help the next generation by paying it forward. Ron was a leader through action, a man with a plan and my dear friend in life. I am forever blessed for Ron changing my life. Heaven is so lucky to have such a gentleman in Ron O’Brien, a star in life and now, among the stars.” Mary Ellen Clark, 1992, 1996, Olympic Bronze medalist

“Ron O’Brien was the most professional diving coach I have ever known and that’s saying something. He added stature to be a diving coach; just the way he presented himself at diving competitions. He was a benefactor to the sportand he will be sorely missed.” Tom Gompf, lifelong friend, former President USA Diving, FINA Technical Diving Chairman

“Ron O’Brien was one of my oldest and dearest friends in the diving community. When I started diving at Ohio State, I lived in same rooming house as Ron. I was coached by Ron, along with Don Harper, and I attribute any success that I had in the sport to him and will continue to miss him.” Lou Vittuci, lifelong friend and 1964 Olympian, 10-meter platform

“Ron O’Brien was the ultimate coach for every diver. He dealt with all the fears young athletes had in a way that put them at ease and allowed them to build self-esteem/confidence where they were lacking. Truth be told, he was a genius when it came to reading people.” Cynthia Potter, 4-time Olympian, Olympic Diving Commentator

Ron’s achievements as a coach spanned four decades and included Olympic success by some of the most accomplished divers to ever compete in the sport. But most importantly, he was a devoted husband and father, who was humble, kind, and generous throughout his life. Ron truly was an icon of the sport of diving and will be missed profoundly by all in aquatics worldwide.” Dale Neuburger, World Aquatics Treasurer

“Ron was everything. Kind, generous, smart. An unmatched eye for detail. But his greatest quality was how much he cared about each and every one of us. And that level of caring leads to magic.” Scott Donie, 1992 Olympic Silver Medalist, 10-meter Platform

Guess who Swims? You might be surprised…

So, we all know the names, Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, Ryan Lochte, and more recently Kate Douglass and Regan Smith. But have you ever stopped to think about about other sports heroes?

One of the greatest basketball players of our era, NBA Mega-Superstar, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, who was a five-time NBA champion, three-time NBA Finals MVP, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, 15-time NBA All-Star and NBA All-Star Game MVP, began his life and initially aspired to be a competitive swimmer. He grew up on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands and only changed his plans when at 14, Hurricane Hugo destroyed the island’s only Olympic sized swimming pool, so he took up basketball.

Today, he is called “The greatest baseball player of all time”, Shohei Ohtani, star of the 2024 World Series winning Los Angeles Dodgers, started as a SWIMMER! He swam through his high school years at Hanamaki Higashi High School, in Iwate, Japan, and his Coach, Hiroshi Sasaki, claimed that the eventual American League MVP was the fastest swimmer on his team, and “could have made the Olympics.” His father was a minor league baseball player and guided Shohei into baseball instead of swimming.

So, today, at ISHOF / the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, who walks in to swim laps, but none other than, NHL Florida Panther, 2024 Stanley Cup Winning Goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky. Long-time ISHOF Staffer, Meg Keller-Marvin’s son, Matt Marvin, who happens to be a huge Florida Panthers fan, and City of Fort Lauderdale lifeguard, immediately recognized him and struck up a brief conversation, as “we”Bob” was on his way out. The one thing Marvin did say, “He’s got a gear bag with everything in it: goggles, fins, paddles, kickboard and he even wore a Speedo!”

Sounds like a SWIMMER to us! Way to go Bob-by!

Forrest Nelson to Receive the 2025 Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award

FORT LAUDERDALE – The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) willrecognize Forrest Nelson for his extensive contributions to the administration of openwater swimming with the 2025 Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler MemorialAward. The award will be presented to Nelson during the International MarathonSwimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) Induction and Award Ceremony in Jersey onSaturday May 17th, 2025.

The Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award is presented annuallyby the International Swimming Hall of Fame to the individual who has contributed themost to the administration of open water swimming.

This year’s award recognizes Forrest Nelson, an open water swimming administratorfrom the United States of America. Nelson led the Catalina Channel SwimmingFederation (CCSF), an IMSHOF Honor Organization, from 2011 until 2022. Whileserving as President, the federation grew substantially. While retaining the coremembers of the CCSF Board of Directors, he recruited additional talent in anticipationof this growth. Nelson invited additional boat captains to escort the surge in applicants.The CCSF observed three times as many successful solo swimmers, and 15 times thenumber of successful relays in his ten years as president, than the previous ten years.This expansion occurred while maintaining the organization’s reputation forimplementing one of the most robust safety plans among major open waterorganizations.

Forrest Nelson and team helped evolve the organization’s registration process,observer training, and kayak support, to make applying to Catalina one of the moststraightforward and streamlined of the Triple Crown and the Oceans Seven Swims.One outcome of his leadership has been a substantial increase in the number ofinternational swimmers attempting the 20-mile stretch of open water between CatalinaIsland and Los Angeles, California.

Nelson himself is an accomplished marathon swimmer, completing the Triple Crown ofopen water swimming in 2007. He set the speed record for the 74.7 km swim aroundCatalina Island in 25 hours and 35 minutes. IMSHOF recognized Nelson as an HonorSwimmer in 2015 and he has been a faithful supporter of IMSHOF, attending nineInduction and Awards Ceremonies since 2012.

For additional information, please call Ned Denison in Ireland at (+353) 87-987-1573 or ISHOF at (+1954) 462-6536, or visit http://www.ishof.org

Nora Toledano Cadena to receive the 2025 Poseidon Award

FORT LAUDERDALE – The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) is proud to announce Nora ToledanoCadena, of México, as this year’s recipient of the 2025 Poseidon Award for her incredibleachievements in marathon swimming. The award will be presented to Toledano during theInternational Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) Induction and Award Ceremonyon Saturday May 17 th , 2025, in Jersey (Channel Islands). The Poseidon Award, presentedannually by the International Swimming Hall of Fame, recognizes outstandingcontributions to marathon swimming. This award honors individuals or organizationsthat have significantly advanced the sport of Marathon swimming through theirpersonal efforts or initiatives.

This year’s award honors Nora Toledano Cadena. She is an accomplished swimmer, whoraced on the FINA circuit for eight years, was the 14th person to complete the Ocean Seven,and the first Latin American woman to achieve a two-way English Channel Swim. Nora is anaccomplished administrator. She organized the FINA Marathon Swimming World Cup twicein México, has served on the IMSHOF Executive Committee since 2022, been acommentator during two Olympics Games, and co-authored the book, A Cada Brazada: ElAzul Interminable (With Each Stroke: The Endless Blue). In her role as a coach, sheexcelled as she trained, crewed and advised more than 100 long distance swimmers fromMéxico, in addition to swimmers from another eight different nationalities (USA, Spain, Italy,Peru, Colombia, Iran, Chile and Guatemala). Fifteen of her swimmers completed the TripleCrown and two the Oceans Seven.Nora was inducted as an Honor Swimmer in the International Marathon Swimming Hall ofFame (IMSHOF) in 2006.

For additional information, please call Ned Denison in Ireland at (+353) 87-987-1573 or ISHOF at (570) 594.4367 or visit http://www.ishof.org

Nora Toledano Cadena recibirá el Premio Poseidón 2025FORT LAUDERDALE –

El Salón Internacional de la Fama de la Natación (ISHOF) se enorgullece de anunciar que lamexicana Nora Toledano Cadena recibirá este año el Premio Poseidón 2025 por susincreíbles logros en los maratones de natación. El premio será entregado a Toledanodurante la Ceremonia de Inducción y Entrega de Premios del Salón Internacional de laFama de los Maratones de Natación (IMSHOF) el sábado 17 de mayo de 2025, en Jersey(Islas del Canal). El Premio Poseidón, otorgado anualmente por el Salón de la Famade la Natación Internacional, reconoce las contribuciones destacadas a los maratonesde natación. Este premio honra a individuos u organizaciones que han hecho avanzarsignificativamente el deporte de los maratones de natación, a través de sus esfuerzospersonales o iniciativas.

El premio de este año honra a Nora Toledano Cadena. Es una nadadora consumada, quecompitió en el circuito de la FINA durante ocho años, fue la decimocuarta persona encompletar el Ocean Seven y la primera mujer latinoamericana en conseguir nadar el Canalde la Mancha de ida y vuelta. Nora organizó la Copa del Mundo de Natación de Maratón dela FINA dos veces en México, ha formado parte del Comité Ejecutivo de la IMSHOF desde2022, ha sido comentarista durante dos Juegos Olímpicos y es coautora del libro A Cada Brazada: El Azul Interminable. En su faceta de entrenadora, destacó entrenando, comoequipo de apoyo y asesorando a más de 100 nadadores de larga distancia de México,además de nadadores de otras ocho nacionalidades diferentes (Estados Unidos, España,Italia, Perú, Colombia, Irán, Chile y Guatemala). Quince de sus nadadores completaron laTriple Corona y dos los Siete Océanos.

Nora fue incluida como Nadadora de Honor en el Salón de la Fama Internacional deMaratones de Natación (IMSHOF) en 2006.

Para más información, llame a Ned Denison en Irlanda al (+353) 87-987-1573 o al ISHOF al(570) 594.4367 o visite http://www.ishof.org.

Congratulations to Honoree Missy Franklin and husband Hayes Johnson ~ expecting Baby Girl #2

On Halloween, Missy Franklin and her “SuperHero family”, husband, Hayes Johnson and daughter, Cait dressed up for trick or treating, but we were the ones who were “treated” to the very special news that Missy is expecting in March 2025. Here is Missy’s Instagram post:

missyfranklin88: “We couldn’t be happier to share that we’re adding another superhero to the family!! Baby girl Johnson number two making her entrance in March🩷 Owlette (aka Cait Cait) couldn’t be more excited to be a big sis, and she will be the BEST big sister. We are absolutely over the moon and cannot believe our blessings. So thankful to be growing our family.”

“Happy Halloween from the three, soon to be FOUR, of us!!🫶🏻

Missy was inducted into ISHOF as part of the Class of 2023. You can read about her stellar career and watch her induction video here!

https://ishof.org/honoree/missy-franklin/

Congratulations Missy and family !!!

Please consider ISHOF this year in your End of Year Giving or on Giving Tuesday!

Giving Tuesday is December 3, 2024

The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) is currently raising money to support our new museum, which is part of our $218 million renovation project. As you know, every dollar counts! Your generous donation will help us maintain financial stability while our multi-million-dollar iconic renovation is being completed, or you can stipulate that your tax-deductible donation be used for displays in the new Hall of Fame Museum. It’s entirely up to you!Since 1965, ISHOF has been the international showplace for swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming, including all the aquatic sports, which now include Masters, High Diving, Paralympics and Open Water. The museum, library and archives contain the world’s largest collection of aquatic memorabilia and the single largest source of aquatic books, manuscripts, and literature across the globe.

We honor, pay tibute, and celebrate the aquatic heroes of yesterday while showcasing our sports and disciplines. We also are working to ensure “Every Child A Swimmer” as we fight to eradicate drowning, the leading cause of death in children. On behalf of all of us at the International Swimming Hall of Fame, thank you for your continued support and hope you will donate in support of our efforts. We need you more now than ever!

It’s easy to give, just click on the link:

https://internationalswimminghalloffame-bloom.kindful.com

Happy Holidays from the staff of ISHOF!

Every Child A Swimmer – November post

Every Child a Swimmer: Saving Lives, Strengthening CommunitiesDrowning is a preventable tragedy that affects countless families and communities. Each year, drowning claims the lives of thousands of children, and the ripple effects are felt deeply. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4. Even more heartbreaking is the reality that for every child who drowns, another eight are hospitalized due to non-fatal drownings—incidents that can leave lasting physical and neurological impacts on families and communities for a lifetime. The statistics are stark, but change is within reach. Together, we can save lives.

At the Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS) program, we’re committed to turning these tragedies intopreventable incidents by teaching life-saving swimming skills. Through 2024, we’ve awarded over $379,622 in funding to support swim lessons, reaching 1,474 children and providing them with essential water safety skills. This year, ECAS also donated $20,000 to the Clearwater for Youth program, enabling transportation for young students in grades K-2 from six local elementary schools to participate in swim lessons. At John Hopkins Middle School, we partnered with a unique program led by dedicated physical education teachers, which allowed 450 middle school students to take swim lessons during PE class.

These efforts bring us closer to a future where drowning is a rare occurrence.Our work would not be possible without partnerships. We collaborate with over 280 quality swimschools across the country, providing up to three months of swim lessons to low-income families who provide proof of financial need. By removing barriers to access, we help ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill.

Formal swim lessons have been proven to reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. Swimming isn’t just another sport—it’s a skill that saves lives and opens doors. Whether it’s confidence to enjoy the water, an introduction to competitive swimming, or a potential career in aquatics, swimming can shape futures. The child who learns to swim today might be tomorrow’s Olympian, lifeguard, or swim coach.

At ECAS, we follow each child’s progress to ensure they build water competence and confidence that will last a lifetime. Join us in this vital mission to turn drowning into a preventable tragedy—together, we can save lives and make Every Child a Swimmer. Every dollar raised funds our Learn to Swim Scholarship Program, helping more children gain life-saving skills and making a big impact one lesson at a time. Let’s work together to create safer, stronger communities for all.

#ISHOF #EveryChildASwimmer #CityofFortLauderdale #WorldAquatics #DrowningPrevention

Call for Nominations for the ISHOF Class of 2025

It is that time of year again, when we ask for nominations from all disciplines and all countries. Each individual should have achieved tremendous success in the aquatic discipline(s) and/or made a significant impact on the sport of aquatics through their lifelong efforts. Nominations must be submitted along with supporting materials by December 15, 2024.

You may submit your nomination online by visiting: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbWjNJq9cc0r3Jj5RePDhMmc8ToA1HX9fyjqFnNupU2FIAjQ/viewform

Or you may send your nomination to meg@ishof.org

Generally, athletes shall not be chosen unless retired from international competition at least four years or at least one Olympic quadrennial. “Athletes” refers to swimmers, open water swimmers (World Aquatics), divers, water polo players and artistic (synchronized) swimmers.

A coach must have a significant international record and have been coaching at least 25 years.

A contributor must have been in aquatics at least 20 years and have had a significant international impact. Athletic achievement should NOT be considered, contributions are to the overall improvement or development of “international” sport through leadership, journalism, invention or other area of great, outstanding impact

Remember the key word – “international”. Emphasis should be placed on the international impact made by the nominee, not just within his or her own country. Voting for athletes should be based on the items in the following order of importance:  • Olympic gold medals  • World Records  • Number of Olympic medals won, Olympic Games attended & Olympic finals achieved.  • World Championship gold medals, Numbers of total World Championship medals won  • World Cup, Grand Prix gold medals  • Regional Championships won (European Championships, Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, Asian Games, Pan Pacific, South American Games, etc.)