Felipe Perrone, one of the greatest water polo players, comes to ISHOF and South Florida
World Aquatics athlete, Felipe Perrone, is a Spanish/Brazilian water polo player, with a resume of two gold, two silver and three bronze medals in World Championship play. In total, he has 16 World Aquatic international medals.
Perrone recently travelled to South Florida to attend ISHOF’s 61st Annual Honoree Induction weekend, to present Honor Water Polo Player, Simone Fountain at her induction and to give water polo clinics around South Florida to renew interest in the sport and to give a special treat to those kids already playing it.
Felipe graciously went to different clubs around South Florida and all the kids loved him!
Perrone and his family were hosted by ISHOF Historian, Bruce Wigo, who knows a little something about water polo. Wigo took Felipe to the different pools and clinics and set up the schedule so the kids in South Florida could experience his expertise and greatness in the sport. It was a once in a lifetime experience for some of these kids.
A note from Bruce Wigo regarding Felipe coming to South Florida….
“Thank you very much for making the arrangements for Felipe to come to Fort Lauderdale and the Hall of Fame ceremony. It was great to get to know him and he helped Waterpolo immensely with clinics at five different club locations. As you may know, the state association almost dropped water polo last year because of diminishing numbers. This helped invigorate and motivate the coaches and referees to work harder. We also had an evening social in his honor with area coaches and referees. He’s really a great guy with a wonderful family and a pleasure to get to know. So thanks for making this happen.”
A special THANK YOU TO FELIPE PERRONE!!!
International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame inducts newest Class in San Diego
The annual induction ceremony is the physical highlight of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. Thirty honorees (the largest number ever) gathered to induct 11 new honorees and applaud three award winners in San Diego. For the rest of the year, IMSHOF operates as an online virtual shrine dedicated to the history, memory, and recognition of the accomplished swimmers and contributors involved in marathon swimming around the world.
Through a constantly evolving website, daily Facebook posts, Instagram, newsletters, YouTube channel and public electronic library, IMSHOF inspires, educates, and promotes role models for all those who participate in the sport.
The most recent induction ceremony anchored a full weekend of activities including:
Friday: Several swimmers completed six-hour qualification swims at La Jolla; Three (including one of Wednesday) honorees completed the 18.6 km “Around Coronado Island” marathon swim. Others at the hotel enjoyed breakfast, a dip in the sea and lunch. Some joined the reception on a boat outside the Bahia Resort. Smaller groups met for casual dinners.
Saturday: Many joined the Mission Beach morning swim and drinks hosted by the local swimmers. The Executive Committee met for lunch. Others at the hotel enjoyed lunch and afternoon chats. Those outings were followed by the ceremony dinner and presentations.
Sunday: Many joined the morning swim at the resort. Some attended the Congress (issue discussions). Other attendees had smaller lunches and dinners.
The ceremony dinner sold out (the first time ever) with 130 individuals in attendance (the largest in the past 10 years). Five of the seven living inductees were present to accept on the stage: Bárbara Hernández Huerta, Chile; Alexander “Alex” Meyer, United States of America; Cliff Golding, Great Britain; Jacqueline McClelland, Ireland; and John Graeme West, New Zealand. Also present to accept: Carol Sing to receive the Dale Petranech Award for services to IMSHOF and Paul Asmuth to receive the Poseidon Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
IMSHOF proudly welcomed three inductees from countries not previously represented: Chile, Paraguay, and Syria.
The 353 individuals and organizational Honorees represent the best of the marathon swimmers and conttributors – going back nearly 300 years
See the Ceremony booklet, videos and weekend pictures will soon be available at:
Class of 2026 San Diego | IMSHOF
Notes and Ceremony Attendees | IMSHOF
The ceremony for the Class of 2027 will be held in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday, May 8, 2027.
ISHOF Chairman Bill Kent’s well-deserved star on Fort Lauderdale’s Walk of Fame is a day of fun, family, friends and celebration!
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, Our wonderful Leader, Dr. Bill Kent, Chairman of the Board of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, was celebrated in Fort Lauderdale as one of the newest Honorees on the Beach’s Walk of Fame. Pictures tell the story much better than we could. Everyone came out to celebrate Bill and then later his wife extraordinaire, Kim, put on an after party. Hats off to Bill AND Kim Kent! Thank you for all you do for ISHOF, Every Child and Swimmer, Horner and Fort Lauderdale!
To read more about Bill Kent, click here: https://ishof.org/ishof-board-creates-new-prestigious-award-to-honor-chairman-bill-kent/
or here: https://ishof.org/ishof-chairman-bill-kent-makes-aquatics-magazine-2025-power-issue/
Chief of Police, City Manager, Commission Glassman, Bill Kent, Vice Mayor Sorenson
Commissioner Glassman, Bill Kent, Vice-Mayor Sorenson
Commissioner Glassman with the Honorees, Bill Kent, Linda Carter, Jack Seiler, and Stacy Ritter with Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen
Honorees
ISHOF Board Members celebrating Bill Kent
Kim Kent and Commissioner Glassman
Commissioner Glassman and Bill Kent unveil the newest “Walk of Fame Honoree” Dr. Bill Kent!
“Let’s hear it for Dr. Bill Kent!”
Friends and family celebrating Bill Kent
Mike Dooley, Bill Kent, Eddy Sua, Mario Caprini, Casey McGovern
Bill Kent and Mike Dooley
The after Hall of Fame Celebration for Dr. Bill Kent
Celebrating the MAN! Dr. Bill Kent!
Mayor Dean Trantalis promotes the new ISHOF and The Water District
Photo credit City of Fort Lauderdale
Plans for The Water District, new ISHOF take shape
For almost a decade now, we’ve been reshaping Fort Lauderdale’s beach with both public and private investment. New hotels and amenities like the Four Seasons and the Marina Village have opened. The city rebuilt the Aquatic Center with its iconic dive tower, opened Oceanside Park and created a reimagined D.C. Alexander Park. Now the next phase is coming: The Water District — which will include a rebuilt International Swimming Hall of Fame and attractions that will invite both locals and visitors. The Water District speaks to who we are as a community. Fort Lauderdale has always been defined by water — our pristine beaches, our miles of canals and rivers, our yachting and maritime industries. It gives us our beauty and our global identity. The Water District is the next major step in that story. Located on the same peninsula that is home to the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, The Water District will be a $220 million waterfront destination that will bring together the history of aquatic sports, marine education, public space, dining, art and tourism in a way that no other city in America can offer. The International Swimming Hall of Fame has long carried Fort Lauderdale’s name across the world. Its displays have honored Olympic champions, coaches, innovators and aquatic pioneers. The plans include a family-friendly marine aquarium, a reimagined Hall of Fame museum, a rooftop restaurant, event spaces, a public dock for Water Taxi access and an elevated public promenade connecting the east and west sides of the District. The project is scheduled to open in late 2028 and is being advanced through a public-private partnership in which the construction is privately funded. A family will be able to visit the aquarium and learn about sea turtles, coral reefs and marine conservation. A young swimmer will be able to walk through the Hall of Fame and see the stories of champions who once started with the same dream. A visitor will be able to arrive by Water Taxi, enjoy the Intracoastal, have dinner above the promenade and experience Fort Lauderdale from a new perspective. The aquarium concept is especially exciting. The design imagines a guest journey that begins at a beachfront entrance and moves through a sand dune walkway, shallow reef touch pools, an ocean tunnel, shipwrecks, deep reef mysteries and a research station finale. It is designed not only to entertain, but to teach about hatchlings, protected shorelines, coral habitats, responsible ocean exploration, scientific research and conservation.A destination like this can help young people understand that the ocean is not an abstraction. It is a living system. The ISHOF experience will also be transformed. The concept includes exhibits on the origins of swimming, the current of champions, the making of an athlete, endurance, biomechanics, survival and rescue, synchronized movement and a 4D cinema experience. The museum will be more active and modern. We listened to the community as the plans were drafted. The design was adjusted to better protect views of the dive tower and the surrounding area. The west building was scaled back. The balance that has resulted respected the character of our beach and the landmarks that our residents care about. It will be an incredible addition to what has already occurred on the peninsula with the Aquatic Center. With its renovation, the Aquatic Center has become one of our most recognizable landmarks and home again to international competition with world-famous swimmers and divers participating. Its iconic 27-meter dive tower rises above the beach as a symbol of athletic excellence, civic ambition and our commitment to keeping Fort Lauderdale at the center of international aquatic competition. Fort Lauderdale’s aquatic legacy stretches back a century to the days of the Casino Pool. The redevelopment of the Aquatic Center and now the creation of the Water District establishes a world-class facility that will put Fort Lauderdale in the forefront of world aquatics. Fort Lauderdale — the Venice of America and the Yachting Capital of the World — is once again a global center for aquatic sports.
ISHOF Chairman Bill Kent to be honored as 2026 Honoree in City of FLL Walk of Fame
Our very own, Bill Kent, ISHOF’s Chairman of the Board, is being honored this Saturday, May 23, on Fort Lauderdale Beach, during the Great American Beach Party. Kent is one of four community leaders honored for his help in the growth in our community. More specifically, his revitilization of the ISHOF, as well as his championing of the Every Child A Swimmer mission.
City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation
Congratulations to the 2026 Walk of Fame Honorees! Honorees will be recognized at the Great American Beach Party on May 23 for their lasting impact on Fort Lauderdale.Linda B. Carter, Champion of YouthDevoting more than four decades to building permanent institutions that strengthen youth, families and non-profits, she has raised the overall quality of life in the city and region.Dr. Bill Kent, Community LeaderDr. Bill Kent advanced Fort Lauderdale’s global aquatics reputation by revitalizing the International Swimming Hall of Fame, championing “Every Child a Swimmer” to protect youth and leading Team Horner’s employee ownership program.
Bill Kent and the Every Child A Swimmer WomenStacy Ritter, Leader in TourismAs CEO of Visit Lauderdale, she has contributed dramatically to the sustainability and growth of the city of Fort Lauderdale and the region.John P. “Jack” Seiler, Mayor, 2009-2018As a 25-year elected public servant and former Mayor, he was a driving force behind what Fort Lauderdale has become today.The City established the Walk of Fame in 2010 at the inaugural Great American Beach Party to pay tribute to the legendary Connie Francis on the 50th Anniversary of “Where the Boys Are,” the 1960 film which made Fort Lauderdale an overnight sensation and a “must see” destination for visitors.Walk of Fame Honorees are recognized by making sustained, positive impacts. As part of the awards program, each honoree receives a commemorative paver that is placed in the Walk of Fame to memorialize their outstanding accomplishments. The Fort Lauderdale Walk of Fame is located on the beach along the east side of A1A at Las Olas Boulevard. Walk of Fame Honorees are announced at the Great American Beach Party. For more information, visit parks.fortlauderdale.gov/gabp.#WeAreFTL City of Fort Lauderdale
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#ISHOF #cityoffortlauderdale #everychildaswimmer #greatamericanbeachparty #
The ISHOF Mermaid is the HIT of the IPW
Following on the tail end of the 2026 ISHOF Induction Ceremonies, ISHOF has been attending U.S. Travel’s IPW ~ which is the world’s premier international inbound travel trade show. It acts as a massive global marketplace where international buyers, U.S. travel suppliers, and media connect to promote and book future travel to the United States. It just happened to be in Fort Lauderdale, starting the day after the 61st Annual Honoree Induction ended. Lucky us!
ISHOF Mermaid Heather Geraci
ISHOF was a huge hit at IPW as our Chairman of the Board, Bill Kent, came up with the Mermaid idea! “Who doesn’t love a mermaid?” Bill said early on in the process. And he was right! People were literally waiting in line up to take photos with our beautiful mermaid!
ISHOF Mermaid, Heather Geraci and staffer Devin Ginas
“We have had an incredible two days at the IPW Conference and today is the final day to visit us at booth 2641!” says Devin Ginas, ISHOF Marketing, Fundraising and Event Manager. “If you are attending the conference, please stop by to say hello, take a photo with our fabulous ISHOF mermaid, Heather Geraci and learn about the future of ISHOF and the fabulous new Water District! We have loved connecting with so many people from around the world and cannot wait continuing to make a splash today!”
ISHOF Mermaid Heather Geraci and Bill Kent, Chairman
Mermaid Heather and her fans
‘This is Swimming’ – A Must-Read Speech
by: Casey Barrett, May 21
Nathan Adrian was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame… What he had to say defined the sport at its best.
Nathan Adrian, May 16, 2026, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Last weekend I had the privilege of writing the script for this year’s International Swimming Hall of Fame induction ceremony. For 61 years, the all-time greats of aquatic sport have traveled to Fort Lauderdale to be honored among the best athletes and coaches ever to take to water.
This year was particularly special for me, as my coach, Gregg Troy, was among the Hall of Fame class. (Note: I had quite a few coaches over the years, but Coach Troy is the only one I consider my true coach; I never would have reached the Games without him.) He had quite a turnout of family and former swimmers — both from the Bolles School, where I swam for him in the 90s, and from the University of Florida, where he led the Gators for twenty years. Coach’s induction speech was fantastic. It brought some tears, mine included. However, today I’m going to share another set of remarks that floored all in attendance.
They were delivered by Nathan Adrian. 2012 Olympic champion in the 100 freestyle, winner of 8 Olympic medals, 16 World Championship medals, and a Cal Bear who anchored more world class relays to count.
As an inductee, Nathan was a no-brainer. His swim CV speaks for itself. Yet, I’m not sure anyone was prepared for the profound speech he delivered. You might have caught the reference in my headline for this piece — ‘This is Swimming.’
21 years ago, David Foster Wallace delivered the 2005 commencement address for Kenyon College called ‘This is Water.’ It went viral. It’s become more or less the gold standard for anyone asked to give a commencement speech over the last two decades. ‘This is Water’ was even repackaged as a 137 page book, published by Little Brown in 2009. It’s been called “a timeless trove of wisdom for living a meaningful life.”
I’d call Nathan Adrian’s speech a timeless trove of swim world wisdom, one that honors the ‘chain of generosity’ behind every success, great and small. Among the global swimming community, it too deserves to go viral. I encourage you to share it far and wide.
Here it is. Listen to the audio or read the transcript below. Absorb it as you will. And then send it on to the swimmers and coaches and swim families in your life. As Nathan states: “This is a community that shows up for each other.” If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a part of that “chain of generosity” that Nathan speaks of.
A note about the audio below: The file I received also includes the introductory remarks from emcee Elizabeth Beisel and Nathan’s inductor, Rowdy Gaines. Nathan’s speech begin at the 2:51 mark, but why in the world would you skip past the eloquence of the two legends who introduced him?
And if you prefer to read rather than listen (as I do), here is the transcription of Nathan’s speech. Enjoy, everyone.
Thank you. I thought I would be first. I usually do go first when things like this happen because of alphabetical order. And here I am fifth. And after those incredible athletes. I mean, I just feel so honored to be up here in front of you all. But what’s a little imposter syndrome if not to tell you that you’re doing something right and you’re in the right place?
Standing in this room, I find myself wanting to talk about something other than me, or to start off by talking a little bit about the aquatics community as a whole. Swimming is not the most glamorous sport. We don’t necessarily fill the largest stadiums — yet. Outside of an Olympic year, most people can’t name the world champion in the 100 freestyle. We get up before the sun. We stare at a black line for hours and then we do it the next day. Our coaches pour decades into young swimmers for compensation that bears no relationship to the value that they’re giving. Our officials volunteer thousands of hours so that meets can happen. And our parents give up their weekends year after year after year after year. That chain of generosity is not accidental. It is what this community, that everybody here is a part of, is made of. I know this because I’ve lived inside that chain my entire career. I was the recipient of that generosity long before I understood what it was.
Coaches believed in me before I had earned it. Teammates carried me through the mornings when I had nothing left. People in this community gave me more than the sport required them to give, and they did it all without keeping score. And then there’s what swimming gives beyond itself. This community saves lives — literally. Every child who learns to be safe in the water, every drowning prevented, every family spared. That is this community’s work too. The generosity doesn’t stop at the pool deck. There are people in this room who have helped raise over $150 million for cancer research. I don’t think I need to explain to you all why that number means something to me personally, but I do want to say it out loud because I think it deserves to be said out loud. The same people who get up before dawn to stare at the black line also show up to fight for people that they’ve never even met. That is who we are.
Being inducted into this Hall of Fame means I get to be permanently associated with this community, with these people, and with you all. With what this sport does quietly every day without asking for recognition. For that, I am profoundly grateful. That chain of generosity that I just described, I do want to take a moment to talk about who was in mine. Mom and Dad, you put me in the water, you drove me to practice, and you gave me every opportunity to see how far I can take this sport. I’m forever grateful. My brother and sister, Justin and Daniella, as younger siblings do, I chased you into the sport. Your belief in me and support throughout meant more than you could ever know. My wife, Hallie, you have been my constant. In the best moments and the hardest ones, you were there and you never made me feel like I had to face anything alone. To our little girls, you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me — and it’s not even close. To every coach and member of the support staff, you gave me your expertise, your time, and your belief. I was a better swimmer because of you and I am a better person because of you.
I do want to single out Dave Durden. Dave, to steal a quote from you, ‘this stuff ain’t easy.’ That was censored, of course, for the innocent ears in the room. But you somehow made it look easy. You gave your athletes everything, every single day. And you made the hardest sport in the world feel like it was exactly where we were all supposed to be. And last but not least, to my teammates and friends, you made the hard days bearable and the great days unforgettable. I would do it all again just to be in that pool with you all. I talk tonight about a community that shows up for each other. You were my first experience with that. Everything I said up here, I learned from being around you all. Thank you.
Share KYST with Casey Barrett
61st Annual ISHOF Induction Ceremony ~ an evening filled with champions in and out of the pool
The Class of 2026 includes honor swimmers Nathan Adrian of the United States, László Cseh of Hungary and Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands; honor open water swimmer Ferry Weertman of the Netherlands; honor diver Tania Cagnotto of Italy; honor artistic swimmer Heather Simmons-Carrasco of the United States; honor water polo player Simone Fountain of Australia; honor Paralympic swimmer Beatrice Hess of France; honor Masters swimmer Rich Burns of the United States; honor contributor Stephen A. “Sid” Cassidy of the United States; and honor coach Jane Figueiredo of Zimbabwe/Russia/Great Britain.
Additionally, Ryan Lochte and coach Gregg Troy — both members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame Class of 2025 — will be formally honored during the 2026 induction ceremonies.
American Nathan Adrian captured eight Olympic medals over the course of his career, including five golds. He was the cornerstone of American sprinting from the late 2000s to the mid 2010s. Beyond his success in the pool, Adrian became an advocate for cancer awareness after overcoming testicular cancer in 2019.
Hungary’s László Cseh earned six Olympic medals and 74 major international medals during a career defined by versatility and longevity. A five-time Olympian and 33-time European champion, Cseh was widely respected for his sportsmanship and consistency across nearly two decades.
Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands emerged as one of the sport’s premier sprint freestylers, winning three Olympic gold medals and dominating short-course competition for more than a decade. She set world records in the 50 freestyle and multiple relay events and captured 45 World Championship medals.
Kromowidjojo’s husband, fellow Dutch Olympian Ferry Weertman became one of open water swimming’s greatest champions, highlighted by Olympic gold in the 10k event at the 2016 Rio Games. Weertman also won world and European titles and later contributed to the sport through leadership roles with World Aquatics.
Italy’s Tania Cagnotto made history by becoming the first Italian woman to win Olympic medals in diving, capturing silver and bronze at the 2016 Rio Games. A five-time Olympian, she also earned a world title and became one of Europe’s most decorated divers.
Heather Simmons-Carrasco of the United States helped lead the U.S. artistic swimming team to gold at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, which were the first Olympics to award a team gold medal in that discipline. Following her competitive career, she became a respected coach andmentor in artistic swimming.
Stephen A. “Sid” Cassidy of the United States played a transformative role in the development of modern open water swimming and helped bring the Olympic 10k marathon swim to the Games. A former professional marathon swimmer, Cassidy later became one of the sport’s most influential administrators and officials.
Australian water polo great Simone Fountain was instrumental in her country’s dramatic gold- medal victory at the inaugural women’s Olympic water polo tournament in Sydney in 2000. She later devoted her career to coaching and expanding access to water polo throughout Australia.
Jane Figueiredo, who represented Zimbabwe, Russia and Great Britain during her international coaching career, guided divers to Olympic medals over multiple decades. Her athletes earned Olympic, world and NCAA titles, and her leadership helped establish Great Britain as a global diving power.
France’s Beatrice Hess became one of the most decorated Paralympians in history, winning 20 gold medals and 25 total Paralympic medals in five Games. Her dominance in multiple strokes helped elevate international recognition for Paralympic swimming.
American Rich Burns built one of the most accomplished Masters swimming careers ever recorded, setting 97 individual world records and competing in 11 age groups. Burns continued to excel into his 80s while also serving Masters swimming through decades of leadership and advocacy.
Ryan Lochte of the United States became one of swimming’s most decorated athletes with 12 Olympic medals and 65 World Championship medals. Known for his rivalry with Michael Phelps, Lochte excelled in the individual medley, backstroke and freestyle events while helping definean era of elite swimming.
Gregg Troy of the United States, formally recognized from the ISHOF Class of 2025, coached more than 80 Olympians from 23 countries in a career that spanned club, collegiate and international swimming. As head coach at The Bolles School and the University of Florida, Troy developed generations of champions, including Ryan Lochte, Elizabeth Beisel and Caeleb Dressel.
ISHOF’s Aquatic and Specialty Awards and Masters Induction Ceremony a smashing Success for 2026!
Last night the International Swimming Hall of Fame hosted the ISHOF Aquatic Awards presented by AquaCal, the ISHOF Specialty Awards and the Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame. It was one of the best show in years! The event took place at the Embassy Suites in Fort Lauderdale with a crowd of almost 200 people. It was a who’s who of Aquatic stars, friends~both old and new, Honorees, and longtime supporters.
Emcees Elizabeth Beisel and Sam Dorman opened the show with the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame, where 90-year Hiroshi Matsumoto, who traveled alone from his native Japan, not speaking a word of English, accepted his award with the help of a translator, as he remembered swimming for most of his last eight decades.
Hiroshi Matsumoto and Mark Black ~ The Nonagenarian Club
The family of Canadian synchronized swimming legend Joyce Corner was in attendance to represent Joyce who passed away in 2022. Her granddaughter, Alison, and grandson, Bill, accepted her in award for her, recalling their grandmother’s deep love of the sport.
Mary Black
Every Child A Swimmer Staff and New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance
Next up was the ISHOF Aquatic Award presented by AquaCal. The Competitive Swimming Award was presented to David Szanto of Hungary, who has run the last two World Championships in Budapest and is preparing to host next Summer’s 2027 World Championships. The Diving Award went to multi-time USA Olympic Diving Coach, Drew Johansen, Head Coach at Indian University. 96-year old Mary Black of Scotland was clearly the hit of the night. The Scot had the room in laughter as she recalled her decades in synchronized swimming. Leanne Barnes of Australia was given the award for water polo for her many years of service and dedication in the sport, participating in all aspects of the game. The last category was water safety and it was given to the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance ~ “Drowning is preventable and every life is worth saving”.
Walt Reid realizing the award might be for HIM! Wife Kathy looking on…..
This year’s Specialty Awards saw Honoree Micki King receive the Buck Dawson Author’s Award for her amazing biography, “Break of A Lifetime”, along with co-author Elaine K. Howley. Ted Robinson received the Al Schoenfield Media Award, with past recipients and colleagues in attendance for support, Peter Diamond and Cynthia Potter. ISHOF surprised Walt Reid with the Hall of Fame Service Award for all the work Reid has done over the years helping ISHOF with the Master’s Selection Committee, compiling all the masters data and maintaining that data, which he is now turning over to World Aquatics and ISHOF. ISHOF and the Every Child A Swimmer Program awarded Pool Nation the Every Child A Swimmer Award. At the core of Pool Nation is a simple belief: When pool professionals are financially strong, properly trained, and supported by a community, the entire industry becomes stronger. Judge G. Harold Martin, Founder of Every Children A Swimmer mission’s, family was on hand to help present the award, daughter and granddaughter, Julie Boniec.
NBC Broadcaster Ted Robinson
Bill Kent and Casey McGovern of ECAS with Pool Nation
ISHOF presented The Esther Award for the first time in many years to the award-winning documentary, “The Duel We Missed” ~ story of the race that never took place between long distance superstars Brian Goodell of the USA and Vladimir Salnikov of Russia. Also receiving the award were Goodell’s coach Mark Schubert and Direcotor of the film, Edward Starselosky.
Brian Goodell and Donna deVarona
We will see everyone tonight for the 61st Annual Honoree INduction Ceremony at the War Memorial Auditorium. 6:00 pm sharp.
2026 ISHOF Honoree Weekend has Finally Arrived!
It seems like we have been counting down forever, but we are finally here! The 61st Annual ISHOF Induction Ceremony has finally arrived in Fort Lauderdale and so have the Honorees and Award Winners!
Last night, we spotted Artistic Swimming Coaches, Honorees, Gail Emery and Chris Carver enjoying time with Mary Black and her son Ken, who recently arrived from Scotland. Mary will be receiving the ISHOF Aquatic Award , presented by AquaCal, (Artistic Swimming) tonight.
Gail Emery, Mary Black, Ken Black, Chris Carver
The Diving Crew has arrived as well! Our friends from Duraflex and the Ray Rude Foundation have arrived in full force! Last night at dinner the group was excited to be back at ISHOF, some of our biggest supporters, three Honorees included: Tom Gompf, Micki King, receiving the Buck Dawson Author’s Award tonight for her fabulous new book: “Break of A Lifetime”, along with writing partner, Elaine K. Howley, and representing Honoree, Founder of Duraflex, Ray Rude, his lovely daughter, Jane Rude Willson!
Steve Voellmecke, Bonnie Read, Bill Walker, Todd & Patti Smith, Fran & Tom Gompf, Julia Kingston and Jan Rude Willson
2026 Honorees and spouses Ranomi Kromowidjojo and Ferry Weertman arrived yesterday afternoon, and are headed to the Florida Everglades to today with Sid Cassidy’s sister, Mary and her husband Jerry Kegelman.
2026 Masters Swimmer Hiroshi Matsumoto arrived late last night after flying in from Japan. Hall of Fame Service Award winner Russell Weaver wins the award again, waiting almost two hours.
So much going on and its only the start of the weekend. Stay tuned and see you tonight at 6:00 pm at the Embassy Suites, 1100 S.E. 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL
REMEMBER, TOMORROW NIGHT’S INDUCTION IS AT THE WAR MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM, 800 NE 8TH STREET, FLL, FL.