ISHOF Honoree Ceremonies Emcee Elizabeth Beisel has released her first song/EP: “Seasons”
For the past two years, Olympic medalist, Elizabeth Beisel has honored ISHOF by emceeing our annual Honoree Induction Ceremonies. Her first time was in 2024, when she did it solo in Fort Lauderdale and then, this past year, she co-hosted the event in Singapore with ISHOF Honoree, Dara Torres for the 60th anniversary Celebration!
The ever-talented Beisel, in addition to being a two-time Olympic silver medalist, is an accomplished violinist and has just released her first four song EP titled “Seasons.”
Since leaving the pool, Beisel has been working as a media correspondent/journalist, for NBC, among others. covering events from the Olympic Games to World Championship events as well as various collegiate championships.
Beisel has long been an accomplished violinist, which came to our attention as she played the national anthem at the U.S. Olympic Trials just last year in Indianapolis.
Her new EP features a song for each season and is an acoustic folksy instrumental album. It also includes other instruments, such as banjos and pianos. The track summer contains more electronic elements, but whichever one you choose, we’re sure you’ll love it!.
From Beisel’s FB page:
seasons EP is out today streaming on all platforms ☾ ☀︎𓍊𓋼𓍊❀ can’t wait to hear which tracks resonate with you most ☼ they all have their own quirky personality just like the seasons do ♡
produced, mixed, + mastered: bradford krieger
recorded at: big nice studio
EP cover photo: derek delahunt
EP floral design: phosphorus botanical
Apple Music
https://embed.music.apple.com/us/album/seasons-ep/1836687550
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/1XXR2hpUDMh6hcTtbK32h2?utm_source=generator
So proud of you Elizabeth Beisel!
ISHOF Honoree and Board Member Dara Torres on the Rich Roll Podcast discussing her incredible career and more……
photo credit: Rich Roll
Watch podcast here: https://www.richroll.com/podcast/dara-torres-937
Swimming has a peculiar relationship with time. Races measured in hundredths of seconds. Careers measured in years, but only a handful of them. Peak performance arrives at 18, maybe 21, then the slow fade begins. This is how it worked. This is how it always worked.
Until one woman turned 41 in Beijing and broke American records.
The contradiction should have made headlines: Training five days while teenagers trained nine. Building swimming’s first multidisciplinary support team. Proving that efficiency beats volume, that recovery trumps grinding, that the body can improve with age if you ask different questions.
Yet almost nobody in swimming asked her how. The sport that should have been dissecting her methods collectively shrugged. Perhaps her success was too threatening to the infrastructure built on youth and disposability.
What if everything we believed about athletic peaks was wrong?
My guest today is Dara Torres, who didn’t just break that rule—she obliterated it with such force that we’re still recalibrating what’s possible. A five-time Olympian and 12-time Olympic medalist, Dara became the oldest swimmer to ever win an Olympic medal at 41, just two years after giving birth, breaking American records when she should have been, by all conventional wisdom, a decade past relevance.
Dara Torres was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2016. Read her bio below:
ISHOF Recognizes and Honors its Specialty Award Winners for 2025
The final set of outstanding contributors for the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s (ISHOF) Annual Awards evening on Saturday, September 13, 2025, was its group to recieve the Specialty Awards, and like all the others, its recipients did not disappoint.
The list of winners included six awards, including the Every Child A Swimmer Award, presented to Barry Goldwater, Jr. and the ISHOF Lifetime Achievement Award, present to longtime Philadelphia Area Coach Richard W. “Dick” Shoulberg, who was represented by his daughter, Roberta “Bert” and Shoulberg’s longtime friend, University of Georgia and Olympic Coach, Philadelphia native, Jack Bauerle. (Both awards and individuals have been presented in detail in separate articles).
The remaining four award winners were quite accomplished in their own right.
2025 Virginia Hunt Newman Award
Virginia Hunt Newman has been called “The Mother of Infant Swimming.” She pioneered and focused worldwide attention on the non-forceful, non-traumatic method of teaching infants and preschool-age children to swim, earning great respect as an innovator in the field.
Dr. Ludmilla Rosengren (Sweden)
In 1989, Dr. Ludmilla Rosengren entered the world of infant swimming purely by chance, when her eldest daughter was two years old and began her swimming lessons. From the very start, she became actively involved and saw opportunities to develop the program. Shortly thereafter, alongside her medical studies, she founded her infant swimming school: Linnéas Simskola.
After completing her medical degree, Rosengren realised that she needed to hire instructors for the school to grow and maintain its quality. In 1997, she took another major step by launching a training program for infant swimming instructors and founded the Swedish Babyswim Association (Svenska Babysimförbundet). The aim was to increase knowledge among parents and instructors and to improve the quality of infant swimming activities. In the 1990s, infant swimming was still largely focused on “dives” and the diving reflex, but Rosengren instead advocated for a more structured and safety-oriented approach, where clear guidelines and goals provided a professional framework. She was also one of the first to promote the idea that children should not learn the breaststroke as their first stroke, but rather freestyle as it is easier to use earlier.
Rosengren conducted a university study on reflexes and infant swimming (Goksor, E.; Rosengren, L.; Wennergren, G. (2002). “Bradycardic response during submersion in infant swimming”. Acta Paediatr. 91(3): 307–312.), which showed that although various reflexes exist, they are not essential for the actual act of infant swimming. Based on these findings, she developed a new technique in which the child learns to hold their breath before submerging underwater for the first time.
She has also emphasised how crucial it is for parents to be properly prepared and informed, given that the child’s sense of security is entirely dependent on how secure the parents feel. For this reason, she wrote Babysimboken (The Baby Swim Book), which is not only included in beginner courses at her swimming school but is also used by many others and serves as course material for instructor training programs. The book is also available in English.
Over the years, Rosengren has trained baby swimming instructors around the world and has been a frequent speaker at international conferences. In 2008, she experienced a great personal tragedy when her 14-year-old daughter Linnéa took her own life. This event came to shape Ludmilla’s continued commitment as a physician and CBT therapist, and she also founded the organization Suicide Zero in Sweden to combat mental illness and suicide.
Since its inception in 1993, Linnéas Simskola has operated in six different cities and 18 different pools. In 2016, Ludmilla built her own swimming facility in Uppsala, where all instruction is now centralised.
In recent years, she has also managed to combine her two areas of expertise by researching postpartum depression and baby swimming as a therapeutic method (BIDAP – Babyswim as an Intervention for Depressive Symptoms and Deficient Bonding during the Postpartum Period).
In summary, Rosengren’s drive to combine mental security with quality and scientific development has significantly contributed to elevating the status of infant swimming in Sweden and internationally. Her efforts to organize, structure, and train new instructors have had a lasting impact on the entire field.
Alongside her professional endeavours, she is also the mother of five children and grandmother to three grandchildren.
2025 Al Schoenfield Media Award
Al Schoenfield was editor and publisher of Swimming World and Swimming Technique magazines (1960-1977) and served on various international committees for swimming including the FINA Technical Swimming Committee (1980-1984).
Cynthia Potter (USA)
A four-time member of the USA Olympic Diving Team (1968, 1972, 1976, 1980) with 20 gold medals in world competition and a 28-time National Champion making her (still) the winningest U.S. female diver in the sport (1968-1977), gave Cynthia Potter a leg up in her next career.
Potter began her broadcasting career at ABC in 1983, her first show was covering the US National Championships for the ABC Wide World of Sports with Frank Gifford, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, along with 1964 Olympic gold medalist Ken Sitzberger, covering the men. Potter was under exclusive contract for ABC and when Sitzberger suddenly died on New Years Eve, 1983, and they were suddenly without Potter’s male counterpart.
After interviewing several replacements and with the LA Games just around the corner, they asked Potter, “Can you comment on the men too?” She assured them there was no difference aside from the bathing suits! Since she was under exclusive contract with ABC, she continued with them through the 1988 Diving Trials, but NBC now had the right to the Olympic Games, so Potter had to sit this one out.
By 1992, her contract was no longer exclusive, and she was back covering the Olympic Games. The Barcelona Games was the year NBC aired two different broadcasts of diving. One was the primetime event, and the other was called the “Triple Cast”, where she and Steve McFarland, broadcast every dive, every diver, in every event. Potter said it was so much fun, “one of the best events I’ve ever done!” With the exclusion of the 1988 Games, Cynthia has covered every Olympic Games from 1984 in Los Angeles through this last Games in Paris, 2024 and most of them working with last year’s 2024 Al Schoenfield recipient, Peter Diamond.
Potter has worked for just about every broadcasting company there is, including, Turner, ESPN, ABC, CBS, and NBC. She also began covering the NCAA’s starting in the 1980s too, and she just finished covering the 2025 NCAA’s in Federal Way, Washington.
She has covered World Championships all over the world, as well as World Cups, Grand Prix’s, and many other events and she has worked with many different people. Early in her career, she was lucky enough to work with leaders in the industry, even people from other sports. In addition to Frank Gifford, she worked with Jack Whitaker – Main play by play people who already knew the television business, when she did not ~ she was just starting and out and learning it, and they gave her help.
Potter says “Back then, they had a professional producer help anyone who needed it or wanted it before the 1984 Games. She took advantage of it, of any help she could get, and in return she helped others with her sport. Potter said, “they would have meetings and brainstorm ideas ~ to help the audience appreciate diving more. There were a lot of discussions on how to help the spectator understand diving, how to show off diving, how it works, what the divers are doing, what the judges are looking for…..” “We had split screen tv to be able to pinpoint things in dives and stop the diver in the middle of a dive. It was all ways to help the viewer. We were proud to learn that diving got some the highest ratings during the Olympics, sometimes even second only to the opening ceremonies”. NBC was interested in hearing from what Cynthia had to say, her ideas on how to improve diving for the viewer. She always cared about making it better for the viewer.
Potter even took the international judges certification training, not just to become an international judge but to be able to learn how these judges would critique a dive so she could honestly and thoughtfully discuss it with her audience. She continues to take this certification course every time it became available.
Prior to covering events, like the Olympic Games, Potter would map out the field. She loves numbers. She would take the athletes, the dives and scores, what she thought they needed to win and map it all out for herself, so she had an idea of what was needed to win the Games or the event she was covering, so she could talk about it. And she loved doing it, she loves her sport, and most importantly her audience.
2025 Buck Dawson Author’s Award
The Award is presented to the author of an aquatics- related book for which the book’s content has had a profound educational or entertaining impact on the aquatic disciplines or population in general.
Anita Mitchell (USA)
We were proud to present this year’s Buck Dawson Author’s Award to a local author, someone who swims at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center. The author, Anita Mitchell, who wrote the book, and the subject that she wrote about, Abbas Karimi, both swim right here in Fort Lauderdale, at our very own Swim Fort Lauderdale Masters. The book: “God Took My Arms, But He Gave Me THIS GIFT” is a wonderfully moving story and we are especially proud that they are both from our community.
Anita Mitchell met Abbas Karimi during swim practice… They are both members of Swim Fort Lauderdale Masters at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center. Mitchell has been a masters fitness swimmer that dabbles in competition since 2004 and Karimi is a world class athlete who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games and won two silver medals in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
They became fast friends while Mitchell wrote his story. For 26 years, Mitchell worked at WSVN-7 as a field producer/assignment editor/writer. Abbas’ story became a blog piece in her retirement project, “Broward People,” which then became the book, “God took my arms but he gave me THIS GIFT” and is now being produced into a documentary.
Since 2017 Mitchell has served on the Board of Directors of the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame and currently runs the writers group Write Brains for the city of Fort Lauderdale Club 55 members. Mitchell has a BA in Communications from Michigan State University and was part of the Journalism master’s program at Florida International University. Recently she was awarded a grant by the South Florida Writers Association to complete her next project, “Broward People”.
The Book: God Took My Arms but He Gave Me THIS GIFTby Anita Mitchell
Is the unlikely story of how an armless Afghan boy became a world champion swimmer.The road to the Olympics and Paralympics comes from unlikely places and often reveals the best of humanity. Abbas’ journey from Kabul, Afghanistan to Turkish refugee camps to the Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games has been profiled in the New York Times, CNN and News Nation. He has been interviewed by Angelina Jolie and Khaled Hosseini and has one of the most inspiring stories written.
2025 John K. Williams, Jr. International Adapted Aquatics Award
Honors an individual who has made significant and substantial contributions to the field of adaptive aquatics (aquatics for persons with disabilities) as a participant, athlete, teacher, instructor, coach, organizer, administrator or media representative.
Terri Mitchell (USA)
Terri Mitchell is a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (partially retired) with over 30 years as an Aquatic Specialist. Terri specializes in therapy and rehabilitation for all disabilities including neurological and orthopedic injuries and provides techniques for improved functional outcomes to improve the quality of daily life. She helped host training workshops for aquatic therapy professionals in the proper use of aquatic techniques to assist patients in correct use of the water for safe recovery. Terri created a Pain Management program and participated in a SCUBA program for persons with Spinal Cord Injuries. She finished her PTA career in the out-patient setting working in the pool with orthopedic and neurologically involved patients. She has written and published articles and taught workshops focused on Bridging the Gap to manage the transition from rehabilitation to fitness and wellness.
A major contribution for the proper use of aquatics was co-authoring the development of a program for the United States Marine Corp at their request. The Marines faced the challenge of over 15,000 injuries in six months from combat injuries and overtraining injuries. Overtraining was identified as the primary cause of over 50% of the injured Marines. The solution was development of the Aquatic Maximum Program – Intensity Training (AMPIT). This program substituted a running session in the pool with the same intensity as on land and kept Marines eligible for deployment and everyday assignments. Terri was quick to identify the problem. Her expertise in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) provided the knowledge to promote the needed additional functional movement skills to assist in the reduction of injuries. The AMP IT program provided a curriculum of deep-water intervals, strengthening with drag resistance equipment, and a post stretching program.
A Training Specialist of 25 years for the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), Terri trained and “AEA Certified” hundreds of aquatic fitness professional, as well as provided specialized workshops that offered continuing education credits for attendees. During this time, she was also a senior instructor for the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute (ATRI), teaching various aquatic therapy techniques to specialists at major training events.
Terri has taught and demonstrated aquatic specialty skills to therapists and aquatic professionals across the US and internationally including Canada, Italy, Japan, England, Spain, South Korea, Mexico and Australia.
Terri is adept at specialty aquatic programs including Ai Chi, AquaStretch, PNF, PiYoChi, Orthopedic Aquatics, Unpredictable Command Technique, Intervals, Strength Training and more. She co-authored a manual and video on bringing PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) to the Pool, a technique for treating patients with neurological deficits.
Terri was an Aquatic Specialist at the University of Texas at Austin for 15 years, where she taught Water Exercise, Triathlon Training and Swim Conditioning to college students.
She continues to teach aquatic fitness classes locally and share her ideas and experience with adults of all ages and abilities including Arthritis, Parkinson’s, Knee and Hip Replacements, Back pain and more.
Terri has served her clients and class participants by sharing her knowledge, enthusiasm and energy to positively impact countless lives. She loves the water and in her free time, she can be found at the pool, on a trail, at the pickleball court, on her bicycle, or enjoying her family and friends
About ISHOF
The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) museum opened its doors to the public in December of 1968 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That same year, the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) – the governing body for Olympic aquatic sports – designated the ISHOF museum as the “Official Repository for Aquatic History”. Today, ISHOF’s vision is to be the global focal point for recording and sharing the history of aquatics, promoting swimming as an essential life-skill, developing educational programs and working toward the dream of making every child a swimmer..
#ISHOF #SpecialAwards #AquaCal #EveryChildASwimmer #WorldAquatics #USASwimming #CityofFortLauderdale #BuckDawsonAuthorsAward #AlSchoenfieldMediaAward #VirginiaHuntNewmanAward #BabySwimming #Paralympics #Babysimboken #GodTookMyArmsButHeGaveMeThisGift #ISHOFAquaticAwards #Sweden #AdaptiveAquatics #Books #USADiving
The ISHOF Aquatic Awards presented by AquaCal show the very best our sports have to offer
On Saturday evening, September 13, 2025, the International Swimming Hall of Fame, along with its wonderful title sponsor, AquaCal, celebrated its annual Aquatic Awards representing six disciplines, with seven remarkable individuals from four different countries around the globe, The USA, Brazil, Great Britain and Canada.
The ISHOF Aquatic Awards are a annual event that celebrate the unsung heroes who make competitive and recreational aquatics possible. These are the people who save lives, promote water safety and further aquatic education around the world. Their devotion to our little corner of the world, their tireless dedication and hours of volunteerism, are done for nothing other than the good of our sports and making our world a little better and safer place. We were proud to welcome and recognize these important individuals at the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Craig Hunter (Great Britain) – Competitive Swimming
Craig Hunter was taught to swim by his two elder brothers during a family holiday in the mid-1960s. His maternal grandmother was a keen swimmer and swam with ISHOF Inductee Jack Hatfield in Middlesbrough, England.
Hunter soon joined the local swimming club where he started his competitive career but only in the summer months. His first medal was won in the boys under 14 years 220yds butterfly at the local championships, when he was just 10 years old.
Some years later when competing in an inter-club competition Hunter was placed second in a race, he and others felt he had clearly won. Complaining to the referee, she told him he was not important in the decision-making process, something he was not happy about! He was encouraged by his father to “get involved”. In 1981 he qualified as a judge, starter and timekeeper, and by 1984 was the youngest nationally qualified referee in Great Britain.
Having gained committee experience in his swimming club, he joined the executive committee of his local county association where he soon became the swimming secretary and team manager.
A diagnosis of testicular cancer in 1986 made Hunter more determined to get involved and make a difference in swimming, sports management and leadership.
In 1989 he undertook his first international team management role (as GB team manager) at the FINA Swimming World Cup, the team featured Olympic medallists and swimmers older than he was! This was the start of his British team management career which spanned 18 years becoming the first professional manager taking teams to Olympic Games in 2000 and 2004 as well as numerous World and European Championships. During this time, he was also the secretary of the technical swimming committee for Great Britain.
In 2007 he joined the Board of British Swimming as an independent director, a role he held until 2017. He was responsible for leading the review of the British swimming team’s disappointing performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games, working with Hall of Fame coach Bob Bowman.
Recognising his organisational and leadership skills, the British Olympic Association appointed Hunter as the programme director of Britain’s Olympic Ambition 2012 preparing athletes and coaches from all sports for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Following the successful roll-out of the programme in Beijing 2008, he was asked to take on the role of Chef de Mission of the England team for the 2010 Commonwealth Games with a team of 500 athletes and support staff. This proved to be one of the most challenging sporting events ever held and at the same time, truly memorable.
Hunter was appointed the Chef de Mission of the British Paralympic team for London 2012. Leading Britain’s largest-ever Paralympic team, he introduced Olympic ideals and standards into Paralympic sport with the team winning 120 medals, finishing third in the medal table.
During this time, he had joined the European Aquatics (formerly LEN) technical swimming committee as well as re-joining the FINA swimming referees list which saw him regularly refereeing championships in Europe and officiating on the world stage. He became the Vice Chairman in 2016 and became Chairperson in 2020, a role he continues to hold.
Following his role as an international technical official at the Rio 2016 Games, Hunter was appointed to the World Aquatics (formerly FINA) technical swimming committee as a member in 2017. He was a referee at the Tokyo 2020 Games, following which he became Vice Chair of the TSC. In 2022, following the retirement of Carol Zaleski, he became the TSC chairperson, a role he currently holds.
He is passionate about fairness for athletes, encouraging the wider use of video judging at elite swimming competitions, as well as encouraging and mentoring swimming officials to be the very best.
Hunter has been with his supportive and understanding partner Nick for over 35 years enjoying life in both London and skiing in the French Alps.
Ana Maria Lobo (BRA) – Artistic Swimming
The dream of becoming an artist and dancer began in Ana Maria Lobo’s childhood, as music and dance had always been a part of her life. During vacations at her grandmother’s house in the countryside of Minas Gerais, Brazil, she had the freedom to explore her artistic talents and express herself through dance and singing.
Lobo’s sporting journey began in swimming, at Fluminense Football Club, in Rio de Janeiro, as a treatment for asthma. At the age of 15, she witnessed an event that would change her destiny: a pianist played while an athlete performed graceful movements in the pool. In that moment, Ana Maria discovered her vocation for what is now known as Artistic Swimming.
As an athlete, Lobo won a bronze medal at the 1963 Pan American Games, marking the first international participation of a Brazilian team in synchronized swimming. More than a personal achievement, this journey allowed her to introduce the sport to Brazil, coaching top-level teams at Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, Clube Paineiras do Morumby. She would eventually serve as the first coach of the Brazilian national team. Her knowledge and dedication to the sport was so prolific, she was invited by the Brazilian Aquatic Federation to restructure Artistic Swimming in her country. Her coaching credentials extend back to 1964 and even today Lobo is coaching a Masters Artistic Swimming team at Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.
Later, Lobo became a judge for the International Swimming Federation, officiating at the Pan American Games (1989-2005), CONSANAT- Confederación Sudamericana de Natación (1983-2005), FINA/World Aquatics (1991-2005), five editions of the Olympic Games, as well as numerous world and South American championships.
Lobo was a member of the Artistic Swimming Technical Committee at CONSANAT(1991-1998) and was also a member of the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming Technical Committee (1992-1996).
This passion for the sport also influenced her family, with Lobo’s daughter and granddaughter, Cristiana and Maria Clara Lobo, becoming Olympic athletes.
Throughout Ana Maria Lobo’s career as a coach and judge, she has consistently pursued innovation and excellence, and has come to understand the processes, protocols, and hierarchies that govern the sport both in Brazil and internationally, hoping to contribute to the growth and development of Artistic Swimming in the country and around the world.
Bret Beecher Bernard (USA) – Water Polo
Bret B. Bernard and his twin sister, learned to swim via the American Red Cross in Newport Beach, California, where they grew up. More interested in surfing, sailing and just having fun, Bret did not compete in swimming until his freshman high school year, when something called water polo caught his attention.
As a player Bernard was a multi-time USA Water Polo, AAU, NCAA and High-School All-American, on a Championship team at all levels. As captain of Corona del Mar high school, it was the only team to ever to win three aquatics (water polo, swimming relays and swimming) championships in the same academic year, his senior year. In college, while at the University of California at Irvine, his water polo team won one NCAA Championship and placed second three times. Bernard played for the Men’s USA National Team for nearly a decade and was an alternate to the 1972 Olympic Games, retiring in 1980 with the boycott of the Moscow Games.
Bernard has been called upon to whistle every major water polo championship in existence, from three editions of the Olympic Games to World Championships, World Cups, to Junior Worlds, and everything in between. Domestically, Bernard has worn the whites for every conceivable USA Water Polo Championship, including Junior Olympics and National Championships. He also officiated numerous collegiate men’s and women’s championships, including an incredible 14 straight Men’s NCAA Championship (final) games and 10 straight for the women.
He has also made great contributions to the organizational advancements of USWP serving and chairing a variety of committees, including finance, law and legislation, and national referees amongst others. Bernard served on USA Water Polo’s Executive Committee for 15 years, served as its Treasurer from 1988-90, Vice-President from 1990-96 and President from 1996-2001. He continues to serve USWP as a long-standing member of its Hall of Fame Committee and special advisor. He has served on the USOC Board of Directors for 14 years, its Finance Committee for six years, and its restructuring committee.
Internationally Bernard was the first and only non-European President of the International Water Polo Referees Association and served for six years as its Vice-President and on its Executive Board for ten years. He also served on the FINA Technical Water Polo Committee for five years.
Bernard was the first director of water polo officials for the NCAA, formulating and serving in that position for five years. Since he has continued to serve water polo as a member of the USWP Technical Committee as well as assisting every men’s and women’s collegiate water polo conference as a TC member and referee’s evaluator for over the last 18 years.
Bernard has been inducted into numerous Halls of Fame, including USA Water Polo, as well as his high school and college, and was honored many years ago with the Bill Smith Award. In recognition of his many contributions to Water Polo officiating, USWP’s highest award (for outstanding refereeing at elite competition levels) was named in honor of him.
Bernard had spent the last two decades in service to non-aquatic endeavors focusing on his two sons, Tanner and Hunter, who he calls “his greatest achievements” and what they have accomplished, the memories they have created and who they have become ~ it’s what he is most proud of.
Mick and Sue Nelson (USA)– Recreational Swimming
In 1972, Sue and her husband, Mick Nelson, embarked on a remarkable journey by founding their own swim club and constructing an indoor facility in Danville, Illinois. Their vision expanded in 1974 with the creation of Nelson’s Swim Supply, a thriving retail and wholesale business specializing in pool, spa, and aquatic equipment.
By 1982, they took another bold step by establishing NSS Inc., which provided design, construction, and consulting services to the aquatic industry. In 1994, they achieved a groundbreaking milestone by launching WaterWay Therapy Inc., one of the nation’s first privately owned and Medicare-approved outpatient aquatic physical therapy centers. Theircommitment to wellness continued in 2001, with the Poolside Health & Wellness Center. This vibrant hub housed the USA Swim Club, WaterWay Therapy, and the Swim America learn-to-swim program, serving as a vital community health and wellness center.
In 2004, USA Swimming hired the Nelsons to create a facilities department to assist their membership with building new aquatic centers, renovating existing pools, and program facilities to become financially sustainable. They moved to Colorado Springs in June 2004, and Sue began working as a Programming Specialist providing resources and information for members, and Mick, became the Club Facilities Development Director, There, they created the concept of “The 4 Pillars of a Sustainable Aquatic Facility. In 2005, they created the Build A Pool Conference to help others figure out “what they needed to know” about building and operating an aquatic facility.
In 2020, Mick and Sue retired from USA Swimming and formed Total Aquatic Programming LLC. Recognized in Aquatics International’s “Top Professionals Issue “ 2022 and they both are CMAHC Ambassadors.
An important role Mick Nelson has also worked on to benefit all of us in aquatics, is collecting drowning data from across the country, as part of a longstanding partnership with the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. Mick realized, while attending the NDPA conventions, just how important drowning statistics were, and that the only place that had the statistics was the CDC. But unfortunately, at the time of release, the data was already two years old. The process of updating this date involves approximately 1,100 man-hours per year plus the cost for programs and support. New drowning statistics are posted at the beginning of every month, and all data is housed online and is accessible 24/7. Sue says “It’s also a tool for aquatic programming that we use to show the value of providing adult swim lessons,” who noted that adults account for at least 63% of drowning victims. “We can take these statistics to the community to show them that it’s worth spending tax dollars and bonds on supporting aquatics facilities.”
Mick and Sue Nelson have not only influenced the sustainable development of hundreds of pool projects, but their “Save-A-Pool” efforts have kept aquatic facilities in danger of closing viable – increasing the opportunity for recreation swimming across the United States. They provide expert advice to anyone from individuals to working with municipalities, private businesses and even major public-private projects. The scope of projects they have been involved in are unmatched by anyone in the industry.
The Nelsons have mentored so many in the industry, have held volunteer leadership positions on numerous boards and advisory councils, presented at dozens of aquatic industry conferences and consistently nominated others for awards. Their knowledge, wisdom and guidance are immeasurable. They have continually given back to the aquatics community, and now we thank them.
Lisa Zarda (USA) –Aquatic Safety
Lisa Zarda is a passionate advocate for water safety and a transformative leader in the learn-to-swim industry. Since 2017, Zarda has served as Executive Director of the United States Swim School Association (USSSA) and during that time, she has made significant progress in promoting drowning prevention, raising awareness, and advancing the profession of swim education across the country.
Under Zarda’s leadership, USSSA has experienced remarkable growth, but her impact goes far beyond numbers. She has been at the forefront of building national partnerships that elevate the visibility and credibility of swim schools as essential community resources. Her efforts led to the USSSA member directory being featured on high-profile platforms such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and WebMD—amplifying the reach of vital water safety information to families nationwide.
A champion advocate, Zarda implemented a government relations strategy that united volunteers and lobbyists to support legislative efforts in water safety education. One of her most meaningful accomplishments was working with members of the New York Water Safety Coalition to successfully pass a first-of-its-kind bill to educate new parents on water safety, marking a critical step toward reducing childhood drowning rates.
Zarda, together with numerous volunteers, led the development and launch of a pioneering swim instructor certification program, raising the bar for teaching standards and ensuring instructors are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to create safer learning environments. She has overseen the delivery of impactful conferences, workshops, and virtual training programs to support continued education and professional development for swim school owners and instructors alike.
She built a professional, transparent, and accountable organizational culture to optimize operations and better serve members. Along with a strong team of board members, this has enabled the Association to remain agile, member-focused, and highly effective—even while operating virtually.
Zarda’s dedication to water safety extends beyond her role at USSSA. She has contributed to national coalitions such as the Aquatics Coalition and Water Safety USA, collaborating with peer organizations to come together on drowning prevention and aquatic education issues. In 2021, she was honored with the Guiding Light Award from USSSA, recognizing her exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the industry.
She holds a Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation and is a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP). She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise & Sports Science from Carthage College with an emphasis in Recreation Management and a minor in Business Administration.
Zarda has served in volunteer leadership roles with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Arizona Society of Association Executives (AzSAE), and completed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace certificate from the University of South Florida.
Lisa lives with her husband and two children in Cave Creek, Arizona. A dive mom herself, she is deeply committed to the life-saving importance of swim education— professionally and personally.
Mitch Geller (CAN) – Competitive Diving
Mitch Geller has been a transformative figure in the world of diving, both in Canada and on the global stage, for over four decades. Renowned for his visionary leadership, coaching excellence, and innovative contributions to the sport, Mitch’s career has shaped the trajectory of Canadian diving and left a legacy internationally.
From 1998 to December 2024, Mitch served as the Chief Technical Officer for Diving Canada, overseeing the design and execution of high-performance programs that elevated Canadian divers to elite global status. Under his guidance, Canada achieved an unprecedented run of podium finishes at seven consecutive Olympic Games, cementing the nation’s reputation as a diving powerhouse.
Mitch’s influence extends beyond borders. Since 2017, he has served on World Aquatics’ Technical High Diving Committee and chaired the High Diving Development Subcommittee, playing a key role in shaping the evolution and global standards of high diving. He was also instrumental in creating an international judging analysis system, later adopted by FINA, now World Aquatics, that remains a cornerstone for performance feedback and judge development today.
In 2024, Mitch transitioned into a new leadership role as Director of Special Projects at Duraflex International. Here, he continues to drive innovation in diving technology, focusing on expanding product lines and developing state-of-the-art training equipment to support the next generation of athletes.
Geller’s roots in the sport trace back to his time as a competitive diver. He was a member of the Canadian National Team from 1978 to 1983 and held the title of Canadian National 3-meter Champion. His career included professional high diving performances around the world, and he set a Canadian high diving record with a reverse double somersault from a height of 38 meters.
As a coach from 1986 to 1997, Mitch produced numerous national champions and international medalists. From 1986 to 1993, he led the Thunder Bay Diving Club, transforming it into the top program in Canada and developing half the national team from a remote Ontario town. In 1993, he was recruited to Victoria, British Columbia, to manage the diving events for the 1994 Commonwealth Games and to establish the Pacific Coast Diving Club, Canada’s first privately operated diving club, which quickly rose to national prominence.
Geller also brought diving to the public as a color commentator for CBC, covering international competitions including the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. As competition manager for the 2005 FINA World Championships in Montreal, he introduced groundbreaking presentation styles that continue to shape the sport’s public appeal.
With a career defined by excellence, innovation, and impact, Mitch Geller remains a driving force in diving, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
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ISHOF Hosts the Masters International Honoree Induction Ceremony in Fort Lauderdale
This past Saturday evening, September 13th, 2025, the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) hosted the Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame Honoree Induction Ceremony at the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, overlooking our beautiful stretch of beaches.
MISHOF’s Class of Honorees included a Class of eight Masters Honorees from around the globe, but only three were able to be present, they included: swimmers, Charlotte Davis (USA) and Diann Uustal (USA), and water polo player, Gary Payne (AUS) . We have posted their Honoree videos below.
Charlotte Davis 2024 Masters Swimmer
Charlotte Davis was inducted into ISHOF in 2014 as an Honor Coach for her beloved synchronized swimming. With older sisters in the sport, she began learning moves and at eight joined a synchronized swimming team, with great success. She performed with the 1970 Santa Clara Aquamaids, who won the highest level of competition that synchro offered. She then formed her own synchro team, growing as a coach, and in 1984 was named the first USA Olympic synchronized swimming coach. Her athletes, Tracy Ruiz and Candy Costie, won solo and duet gold at the 1984 Olympics. Charlotte was named the National Team Coach and served until 2000, coaching and managing at four more Olympic Games.
With her proximity to the pool, she began competitive swimming in 1987. With a first place in her first local competition, she was hooked. Her first National Championships in 1994 and in 2000 became the first Masters swimmer over 50 to break a minute in the 100 free.Despite her successes, Charlotte cites her diagnoses of breast cancer in April, 2015 as her greatest challenge. After two surgeries she resumed training during her five weeks of radiation therapy. She was able to compete two months later at Long Course Nationals in August where she set four USMS national records and one FINA/World Aquatic record.
Charlotte reflects. I can’t really say that swimming saved my life, but my life has been full because of swimming. After all, I met my husband, a Masters swimmer, in the pool!!
Charlotte Davis Video:https://vimeo.com/1116870784/5a5fcd34bf
Diann Uustal (USA) 2024 Masters Swimmer
From the time her grandmother introduced Diann to swimming as a child with the admonition, ‘When you get tired you gotta keep kicking,” ’she’s been a lifelong swimmer. As evidenced by her 43 FINA/World Masters records, that’s exactly what she’s done.A late comer to Masters, beginning with the point system, Diann began her career in the 60+ age group. (She actually swam at the US Masters Nationals in 1979 in Fort Lauderdale in her 30’s). Through four age groups she has consistently been a top performer. She swims five hard days a week and one easy day for joy and for stroke perfection. She’s always thinking in the water, focused her plan while enjoying the execution.
She has been selected as Swimming World Magazine, “World Masters Swimmers of the Year” multiple times and has set 140 USMS national records. She’s competed in Canadian Masters Swimming Championships, USMS Nationals, YMCA Nationals and The FINA/World Masters Swimming Championships.
Watch her video for her encouraging story of this overcomer!
Diann Uustal Video:https://vimeo.com/1116871884/b2eda37397
Gary Payne (AUS) 2024 Master Water Polo Player
Gary has been the driving force of Masters water polo in Australia for many years, from the first Australian Masters in Perth in 2003 right through to the current day where health concerns have seen him slow down. He has toured the world following his favorite sport and it was refereeing where he excelled, gaining FINA international standard and participating as both an athlete and a referee at numerous FINA Masters.
His involvement playing and refereeing at every level within Australia and mentorship and assessing abilities have seen a host of new officials flow through his hands. He was instrumental in nurturing Masters tournaments in Asia before Covid curtailed those events. His leadership and drive have seen numerous Masters teams from Western Australia become involved in FINA events and the Perth competition is the paramount Masters competition in the country. He has been awarded two Life Memberships in Western Australian among his many accolades and he has been heavily involved in promoting water polo in regional Australia with numerous country national championships. He was involved in the early Australian Masters championships in the 1980 & 90s, winning medals, as well as gold in 2015. His administration skills encompass club, state and national appointments, including the multi-sport Arafura Games (Darwin) between 1997-2005. He was on the organizing committee of the Thai Pacific Masters 2014-18 and the organizing committee of the Princess Chulabhorn Cup in Bangkok, 2016-18. A top-level referee for 36 years, Gary was a vital cog in National League, National Championships, State and club events around Australia. Gary’s immense value to Masters water polo in Australia and Asia is incalculable.
Gary Payne Video:https://vimeo.com/1116872279/40032da93b
Tony Goodwin (AUS) 2024 Masters Swimmer
Unfortunately, the other Masters Honorees could not be with us. We met up with Tony Goodwin, Masters Swimmer (AUS) in Singapore and presented him with his award, read about it here: https://ishof.org/2024-mishof-masters-swimmer-tony-goodwin-swims-at-masters-worlds-and-receives-his-honoree-induction-award-in-singapore/
Other Honorees inducted included:
Hiroshi Matsumoto (JPN) 2024 Masters Swimmer
Hiroshi Matsumoto, is a Masters swimmer from the Minami Alps, in Japan, about 100 miles from Tokyo. He began swimming as a child in a local lake, swimming through his school years and recreationally as an adult until he joined a Masters program, at age 59. Early in his 60’s, he began setting records. In 2002, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer which required his prostate gland removed. A week after surgery he was swimming. “I feel alive when I swim!” Matsumoto has broken 28 FINA Masters World Records and has accumulated 933 World Points. He has competed in six Masters age groups beginning with the 60-64 and is currently in the 85-89 age group, He has been in the Top Ten 27 years and swims the freestyle and fly.
Joyce Corner* (CAN) Masters Artistic/Synchronized Swimmer:
In 1969, Joyce Corner responded to an ad looking for coaches for a new synchronized swimming program that was beginning in Mississauga. After she was hired, she was given just one lane for the program while also sharing the pool with a Red Cross Leader’s Course. Over the years, enthusiasm for the group grew. She found another pool with more space and started a new club, the New Wave Synchro Masters where she was both coach and swimmer.
Joyce has been involved in synchronized swimming in many different areas. She has been on the Canadian synchro committee for countless years and represented Canada in Masters FINA meets when present. She was the Canadian representative to the FINA Masters committee which helped develop the requirements when FINA transitioned from a figure competition to a technical program.
She was a FINA rated “A” international judge and she has judged Pan Am Games 1983; 1987, World Aquatics Championships 1982; 1986, Seoul Olympic Games 1988 as well as many other events in Canada and around the world. She has been honored with many awards: Civic Sports Award 1977, ‘84, ‘89; Peterborough Sports Woman of the Year 1981, Ontario Special Achievement Award, CASSA Board of Directors Honor Award, Ontario ASSA Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, and Masters Delegate to the World Championships in Australia in 1981. JOyce Corner passed away in 2022.
Both Matsumoto and the family of Joyce Corner have expressed interested in attending next year’s Masters Induction Ceremony.
We also inducted Masters Contributor, Barbara McNamee (USA) for her decades of contributions in Artistic Swimming,
Barbara Mcnamee (USA) – Masters Artistic Swimming Contributor
Barbara McNamee has been involved with Masters artistic (synchronized) swimming since its inception in the United States. She competed in all the early U.S. Masters National Championships, beginning with the first test meet in 1975 and continuing until 1982, when she retired as a Masters swimmer after winning all three events she entered. In 1984, Barbara won the May McEwan Award, a U.S. award is given annually to someone who has made outstanding contributions to and best exemplifies the spirit of Masters synchro. To this day, Barbara has continued to attend almost all U.S. Masters meets, as a judge, official or coach and sometimes all three at once. She has been one of the most tireless supporters of the Masters synchro program in the U.S. and served for many years on the Masters committee. She has served as an official at every FINA World Masters since 2004, including three times as Chief Referee and once as Chief Recorder. She has served as the rules liaison for many years.
She has now served for over 40 years with synchro in administrative duties for national and local associations. She has served as a board member for United States Synchronized Swimming, the AAU, and the USOC. She is a national and internationally rated judge and was the U.S. judge for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. As a coach for over twenty years, she developed athletes from novice to national team levels. In 1988, she was elected as president of USSS and served until 1992, followed by vice president Olympic/International from 1992-1997. In 1996, she was the assistant competition manager for synchro at the Olympic Games in Atlanta.
Rolf Sperling (GER) 2024 Masters Diver
Born in 1940, Dr. Rolf Sperling was a member of three Olympic Teams for Germany. He competed in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome (5th on Platform), 1964 in Tokyo, (7th on Platform, 14th on 3M), and in Mexico City, in the 1968 Games.
He has competed in nine Fina Masters World Championships, and has won 22 medals, 14 gold, seven silver, and one bronze. Rolf has set eight World Records. His crowning Masters achievements came 14 years apart in the FINA World Masters in 1990 in Brazil and 2004 in Italy, where he won all three events and recorded World Records in each.
86, Seoul Olympic Games 1988 as well as many other events in Canada and around the world. She has been honored with many awards: Civic Sports Award 1977, ‘84, ‘89; Peterborough Sports Woman of the Year 1981, Ontario Special Achievement Award, CASSA Board of Directors Honor Award, Ontario ASSA Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, and Masters Delegate to the World Championships in Australia in 1981.
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ISHOF is Calling for nominations for the Class of 2026, Athletes, Coaches, Contributors, and Pioneers
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 1, 2025 to be considered for the Class of 2026. Once a nomination is submitted and accepted by ISHOF, it remains on the ballot for ten years.
You may submit your nomination online by visiting:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbWjNJq9cc0r3Jj5RePDhMmc8ToA1HX9fyjqFnNupU2FIAjQ/viewform
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, artistic (synchronized) swimmers and paralympians.
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.)
Any questions, please contact, Meg Keller at 570.594.4367 or meg@ishof.org
Barry Goldwater, Jr. Accepts the Every Child A Swimmer Award from ISHOF in Fort Lauderdale
Last night in Fort Lauderdale, American Politician, and former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from California, Barry Goldwater, Jr. entertained the crowd with his speech, more of a talk, as he accepted his award for the Every Child A Swimmer Award. (see ISHOF Facebook for full speech). At 87 years old, he was sharp as a tack and “entertaining as hell” to quote one of the guests.
Bruce Wigo, Barry Goldwater, Jr. and ISHOF Chairman Bill Kent
Goldwater’s father, Presidential Candidate, Barry Goldwater Sr. was also an award recipient at ISHOF, the very first winner of ISHOF’s Gold Medallion, back in 1983; pictured below when he visited and was presented his award by then ISHOF Chairman, Jack B. Kelly.
Barry Goldwater, Sr. and ISHOF Chairman Jack Kelly
Barry Goldwater, Jr. was instrumental to ISHOF’s Every Child A Swimmer Program, and current Chairman, Bill Kent, and Casey McGovern in getting the ECAS Legislation passed in Arizona.
Barry Goldwater Biography
Barry M. Goldwater, Jr. is a distinguished American leader whose influence spans public service, business, and civic advocacy. The son of legendary Arizona Senator and 1964 Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater, Barry Jr. has carved out his own legacy over decades of service and leadership.
He represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives for seven terms (1969–1983), where he championed conservative values, limited government, privacy rights, and innovative policies in aviation, space, energy, and telecommunications. A licensed pilot with over 3,000 hours of flight time, he played a key role on the House, Space and Aviation Committee, helping authorize programs such as Apollo 11. He also co-authored the landmark Privacy Act of 1974, guiding federal data privacy protections.
A passionate environmentalist, Goldwater served on the Energy Research and Development Committee, advocating for renewable energy and promoting rooftop solar access in both state and federal forums. His work helped jumpstart clean energy conversations following the 1974 oil embargo.
In the private sector, Goldwater excelled as a stockbroker and institutional partner at Wedbush Noble, moving large blocks of stock for major financial clients and co-managing syndicates valued at three-quarters of a billion dollars. As a founding partner in NTG Consultants, he has spent the past two decades guiding insurance industry clients—including Guggenheim and Nationwide—on governance and compliance, working closely with state regulators and governors.
As a respected business consultant and advisor, Barry also served as Government and Public Affairs officer for Eagle Picher, initiating direct dialogue between employees and political leaders. At Hormel Enterprises, he advised on financial strategy for dozens of corporate investments.
Goldwater is also a New York Times bestselling author, having co-authored Pure Goldwater with John Dean, offering a personal portrait of his father’s ideals and influence.
Among his most recent and impactful civic achievements, Barry Goldwater, Jr. played a key advisory role in the passage of Arizona’s “Every Child a Swimmer” legislation—a critical child safety law that ensures swimming instruction is accessible to all young students across the state. This initiative aligns with Barry’s lifelong dedication to protecting families and promoting public well-being.
Known for his charisma, tenacity, and deep understanding of both business and government, Barry remains an influential figure across the U.S., continuing to shape policy, advise leaders, and inspire community impact.
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Dick Shoulberg Honored with ISHOF Lifetime Achivement Award in 2025
by John Lohn – Editor-in-Chief
14 September 2025, 06:48am
Dick Shoulberg Honored with ISHOF Lifetime Achievement Award
A multi-time Olympic coach and the man behind the powerhouse Foxcatcher/Germantown Academy program, Richard “Dick” Shoulberg was honored on Saturday night by the International Swimming Hall of Fame. At ISHOF’s annual awards ceremony, Shoulberg was recognized with the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Shoulberg is recognized globally as one of the sport’s greatest coachs, having sent his athletes to the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pan Pacific Championships and other international competitions. Additionally, he has been a longtime promoter of water safety, as he ensured thousands of students at Germantown Academy developed sound aquatic skills and would be comfortable and safe in the water during their lives.
Known for designing grinding workouts, which prepared his athletes both physically and mentally, Shoulberg has twice been named coach of the Year by the American Swimming Coaches Association and served as an Olympic coach for Team USA at the Olympic Games. During his career, Shoulberg mentored the likes of Dave Wharton, David Berkoff, Trina Radke, Erika Hansen, Dan Jorgenson and Sean Killion. He also mentored the Crippen family – Maddy, Fran, Claire and Teresa.
His athletes routinely speak about Shoulberg’s impact, many calling him a father figure. The veteran coach also sent many of his swimmers into the coaching profession. Under Shoulberg, these coaches not only recognized the ability to correct technique and push their swimmers, but become a key figure in their lives and growth as a person. Among those benefiting from Shoulberg in this area are Jack Bauerle, the legendary coach at the University of Georgia who was a multi-time Olympic coach, and Tyler Fenwick, the Senior Associate Head Coach at the University of Virginia who has helped the Cavaliers to five straight NCAA titles.
As the head coach at Germantown Academy, Shoulberg built the program into a national power that won several Swimming World national championships and was the standard in the scholastic ranks.
ISHOF’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Richard Shoulberg
Mary T is Back in the Water and in the Record Books
One of the greatest female swimmers of all-time, known during her career as “Mary T” surprised a lot of people when she got back in the pool last October and started swimming again. What was not a surprise was when she decided to compete, and world records started dropping.
Mary T. Meagher, of Louisville now, Mary Plant, of Atlanta, is probably best remembered for her performances at Brown Deer, Wisconsin, at the 1981 U.S. Swimming National Championships, where she set world records in both the 100 and 200 meter butterfly. The times for both records were considered astonishing, especially the record of 57.93 seconds that Meagher set in the 100 meters, a drop of over a second. Both times would stand as the world records for nearly two decades. Some have argued that Meagher’s records in the butterfly were among the most impressive records ever set in sport, ranking among such other noteworthy records as Bob Beamon‘s long jump world record in 1968. These two swims led Meagher to being named a two-time Female World Swimmer of the Year.
After her career ended, Meagher married speed skater, Mike Plant and they had two children, Maddie and Drew.
Fast forward 35 years. Mary is back in the pool, swimming, and really enjoying it! She has been one to always stay active and in good shape. “Its cut into a couple of other activities, I’ve enjoyed, so I’ll probably back off a little. I’ll get back into more golf, biking and pickleball. Always feel good after a hard practice though.”
Mary recently swam at the SPMS SW Zone LCM Championships in Mission Viejo, California, breaking Laura Val’s 14-year old World Record from 2011, in the 200-meter butterfly (60-64 women).
During her professional career, Plant won five Olympic medals, during two Olympic Games, 1984 and 1988. She held the World Record in the 100-meter fly from 1980 until 1999 and the 200 fly from 1979 until 2000, setting those records when she was 15 and 14, respectively.
At the beginning of this Summer, 2025, Mary’s daughter Maddie, gave birth to her first child, Kase, making Mary a grandmother.
Let’s hope we continue to see Mary in the pool!
Mary was inducted into ISHOF in 1993, read her bio here: https://ishof.org/honoree/honoree-mary-meagher/
Do you have your tickets yet for the ISHOF Awards and Masters Honoree Induction Evening, Saturday, September 13, 2025
Photo Courtsey Sonesta Beach Fort Lauderdale
ISHOF is less than 3 weeks aways from hosting this year’s Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame (MISHOF) Honoree Induction Ceremony along with the ISHOF Aquatic Awards, presented by AquaCal, and the ISHOF Specialty Awards on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, located at 999 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. To make your reservation, click here: International Swimming Hall of Fame the deadline is fast approaching and we are quickly selling out!
MISHOF’s Class of Honorees includes swimmers, Charlotte Davis and Diann Uustal USA, Tony Goodwin (AUS) and Hiroshi Matsumoto (JPN); Diver, Rolf Sperling (GER), Artistic Swimmer, Joyce Corner* (CAN), Water Polo Player, Gary Payne (AUS) and Contributor for Artistic Swimming, Barbara McNamee (USA). “It’s quite a remarkable group”, said Bruce Wigo, ISHOF Historian, and former CEO; “We look forward to welcoming them all to Fort Lauderdale this Fall!”
In addition, we will be presenting the annual ISHOF Aquatic Awards presented by AquaCal (formerly the Paragon Awards 1996-2022). The ISHOF Aquatic Awards presented by AquaCal are presented annually to individuals or organizations for outstanding contributions to aquatics. This year’s recipients include Craig Hunter (GBR) for Competitive Swimming, Mitch Geller (CAN) for Diving, Ana Maria Lobo (BRA) for Artistic/Synchronized Swimming; Bret Beecher Bernard (USA) for Water Polo, Lisa Zarda (USA) for Aquatic Safety and Mick and Sue Nelson (USA) for Recreational Swimming.
The ISHOF Specialty Awards will also be presented on September 13th in conjunction with the other awards. This year’s 2025 ISHOF Specialty Award Recipients include, Barry Goldwater, Jr. (USA) – 2025 Every Child A Swimmer Award, Ludmilla Rosengren (SWE) – 2025 Virginia Hunt Newman Award, Anita Mitchell (USA) – 2025 Buck Dawson Author’s Award: “God Took My Arms but He Gave Me THIS GIFT ~ The Story of Abbas Karimi, PLY”, Terri Mitchell (USA) – 2025 John K. Williams, Jr. International Adapted Aquatics Award, and Cynthia Potter (USA) – 2025 Al Schoenfield Media Award.
In addition, Richard “Dick” Shoulberg (USA) will be receiving ISHOF’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to the MISHOF Induction, the ISHOF Aquatic Awards and the ISHOF Specialty Awards, ISHOF will once again be the site of the ISHOF (Coaches) Clinic, who recently partnered with the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA). Last month ASCA announced it was officially taking over the management and operation of the longstanding and popular clinics, including the Central States and Eastern States Swim Clinics, as well as the ISHOF Clinic effective in 2025. These clinics, renowned for their high caliber coach speakers and overall contributions to the professional development of swim coaches and athletes for more than four decades, will now be under ASCA’s guidance and leadership, partnering with ISHOF Honoree and Board Member, Coach Mark Schubert.
Make your plans now to attend the event, Saturday, September 13, 2025! To buy tickets, Click here: https://halloffameswimshop.com/collections/2020-ishof-induction-tickets/products/tickets-ishof-2025-awards-masters-induction-ceremony
For more information, Call Meg Keller-Marvin at 570.594.4367