Stats of 2023 ISHOF Induction Class Are Surreal: 51 Olympic Medals (See Numbers Here)
by JOHN LOHN – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
A By the Numbers Look at the 2023 International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Class of Just the Swimmers
An exceptional group of athletes was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame this past weekend in Fort Lauderdale. The five swimmers who were enshrined at the 58th annual ceremony represent one of the finest classes in history, headlined by Michael Phelps, the greatest athlete the sport has produced.
Joining Phelps for induction are Japan’s Kosuke Kitajima, the United States’ Missy Franklin, Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry and Brazil’s Cesar Cielo. All are Olympic champions with multiple Olympic medals earned during their illustrious careers.
Here is a by-the-numbers look at the five swimmers set for Hall of Fame induction.
This year’s honorees combined to claim 51 Olympic medals, including 35 that were gold. Phelps leads the way with 28 medals while Coventry and Kitajima each secured seven medals in Olympic competition. Franklin won six Olympic medals, including five gold, and Cielo was a three-time Olympic medalist.
From World Championships (long course) competition, the 2023 class tallied 76 medals. Of that total, 49 were gold. Phelps (26) and Franklin (11) each reached double figures for their gold-medal counts.
Between the long-course pool and short-course pool, this fall’s inductees combined to set 55 world records. Individually, the only world record that remains is Cielo’s mark of 20.91 in the 50-meter freestyle, set at the 2009 World Championships.
From the Pan Pacific Championships, this class combined for 35 medals, highlighted by 21 titles.
In total, these honorees have appeared in 18 Olympic Games.
Of the events on the Olympic program, this quintet set at least one world record in every discipline except the 400 freestyle, 800 freestyle and 1500 freestyle.
ISHOF Hosts Friday Night Specialty Awards in addition to ISHOF Aquatic Awards
In addition to the ISHOF Aquatic Awards, presnted by AquaCal, ISHOF also presented their annual (ISHOF) Specialty Awards. The ISHOF Specialty Awards are presented annually to individuals for outstanding contributions to aquatics. This year there were a host of amazing recipients in addition to the Aquatic Awards recipients.
The 2023 Buck Dawson Authors Award –Tom Gompf and Elaine K. Howley
The 2023 Buck Dawson Authors Award went to Tom Gompf for his life story, “A Life Aloft”, and Elaine Howley, who helped write it for him.
Tom Gompf: A Life Aloft is a memoir from 1964 Olympic bronze medalist and 2002 ISHOF Honoree Thomas Gompf. The book tells of Gompf’s life as a world-class diver and lifelong champion of the sport while also reflecting on his experiences as a wartime and commercial pilot. Gompf won the bronze medal in the 10-meter platform diving event at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Gompf later became head diving coach at the University of Miami, where simultaneously, he enjoyed a 30-year career as a commercial pilot, a job which came in handy as he traveled the world as a member of FINA, the international organization that governs aquatic sports, now called World Aquatics.
Elaine K. Howley. A Life Aloft was co-written with Elaine K. Howley, an award-winning freelance journalist and editor based in Boston, Massachusetts. A southern New Jersey native, Howley holds a Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a Master’s degree in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College in Boston. Howley, a lifelong swimmer herself, previously served as Publications Manager for United States Masters Swimming and Managing Editor of SWIMMER Magazine.
About Buck Dawson: Dawson was a veteran of WWII who served as assistant and publicist for Generals Gavin and Ridgeway in the 82nd Airborne. From the time he was chosen to lead ISHOF in 1962, until his death in 2008, Buck traveled the world armed with Hall of Fame brochures, books, and bumper stickers. He was always spreading the word, and always willing to talk and teach swimming and swimming history to anyone who would listen. He wrote hundreds of articles and was the author of eight books, ranging in subjects from bathing beauties to war, but especially swimming.
2023 International Swimming Hall of Fame Service Award — Laura Voet
Laura Voet has done so much for ISHOF and the Hall of Fame Aquatic Center, beyond her regular job and just for people in general, we felt this award was long over due. So, the ISHOF staff gave Laura the 2023 ISHOF Service Award. The ISHOF Service Award is given to an individual who has selflessly volunteered their time, energy, and resources to advance the interests and work of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Laura Voet has easily given over 30 years of her time, energy, ideas and skills to the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF). She came to Fort Lauderdale in 1990, as a graduate of both the University of Indiana and Buck Dawson’s Camp Ak-O-Mak. The Oregonian soon made Fort Lauderdale her home, and she began working at the ISHOF museum, eventually moved over to the Aquatic Center where she became an Assistant Manager along side future husband, Mark Voet and Manager, Stu Marvin, where the three of them ran the greatest aquatic events in the United States. In 2004, Laura was named manager of the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex, now the Aquatic Center, and after years of planning, the beautiful new upgraded Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center will always be Laura Voet’s legacy. No one knows the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center inside and out like Laura Voet does. She was there every single day, and every step of the way during the construction process, both learning and documenting it for the future. And for all her many kindnesses, talents and knowledge, ISHOF will always be eternally grateful.
2023 Judge G. Harold Martin Award — Norman Taplin
Norman Taplin was named the recipient of the 2023 Judge G. Harold Martin Award. The G. Harold Martin Award is presented to someone for their long and exceptional leadership, insight, and dedication to the water safety of children and the cause of making “Every Child A Swimmer”.
ISHOF Chairman of the Board, Bill Kent met Norman Taplin through a friend in early 2020 when Kent started the campaign to pass the Every Child A Swimmer (ECAS) legislation in Florida. Taplin is a lobbyist in the insurance industry, based in Palm Beach County, with offices and personnel in 15 states. He immediately introduced Kent to two Florida Senators who were key in getting the ECAS bill into the committee process. Kent says, “It wouldn’t have gotten through on that side of the legislature without Norm opening the door.” After the Florida bill passed, Kent asked if he could help in other states. Taplin proactively introduced the ECAS team to key people in both Georgia and Arkansas where legislation was recently passed in both states. On May 4, 2023, the ECAS team travelled to Atlanta to witness the signing of the Legislation, and on May 24, 2023, they went to Little Rock to do the same. Norm is already helping the ECAS group start similar campaigns in several other key states for passage in 2024.
About G. Harold Martin: Back in 1908, G. Harold Martin almost drowned in the Ohio River. Over the next two decades he almost drowned two more times. From these experiences evolved a mission to make “Every Child A Swimmer.” His civic involvement led to the building of Fort Lauderdale’s first municipal pool in 1927. Kiwanian sponsored free swim lessons at the pool, and eventually influenced the decision by ISHOF to be located in Fort Lauderdale. An active Kiwanian his entire adult life, he was instrumental in making the Key Club an integral club within Kiwanis International and the adoption of Every Child A Swimmer as a Kiwanian project.
2023 Virginia Hunt Newman International Award — Amanda Gawthrope
Amanda Gawthrope is the recipient of the Virginia Hunt Newman International Award for 2023.
Infant aquatics has been Amanda Gawthrope’s life calling and she has taught thousands of parents and babies, as well as young children all over the world since the late 1990’s. First, through Birthlight, a training scheme for teachers, parents and children based in Cambridge, England and then under her own initiative. Teaching ‘swimming better’ has been and still is her life and passion.She has done much for the development of infant aquatics since the early 1990’s. Amanda’s philosophy and inspiration started growing more rapidly after attending the World Aquatic Babies and Children (WABC) conference in Buenos Aires (2001) where she met many wonderful, professional and inspirational teachers from around the world.
Amanda has spent many years teaching children and their parents ‘swimming better’ in different countries, particularly Russia and China. While in those two countries, she also devoted part of her time to coaching children with disabilities; a group that often gets overlooked in countries like these. Amanda has always had an affection for special babies and toddlers.
She has been vocal and practical in the need to develop compromises that lead to ‘child-led swimming’ rather than focus on a baby sensory approach that avoids the challenges of submersion. Playful parent submersion and teaching by imitation appealing to infants’ sense of humor have been unique strengths in Amanda’s teaching throughout her life. Amanda believes “A lack of compromise risks pushing parents to water survival skills, which is a great loss to everyone and misrepresents gentle/happy infant aquatics”, which was the message of Virginia Hunt Newman.
2023 John K. Williams, Jr. International Adapted Aquatics Award — Gail Dummer
Gail Dummer is the 2023 recipient of the John K. Williams, Jr. International Adapted Aquatics Award. The annual award, honoring individuals or organizations who have made significant and substantial contributions to the field of adaptive aquatics.
Gail has been engaged in sustained efforts to positively influence inclusion of swimmers with disabilities in competitive swimming throughout her career as teacher, coach, administrator, volunteer, researcher and swimmer.
Of special note are the three USOC grant-funded disability swimming camps she wrote and directed that were designed to facilitate the following changes: She encouraged the organizations to work together as swimmers first, and disability second. She involved USA Swimming in helping with the selection of athletes and the disabled sports organizations in selecting one coach and one coach-in-training to promote athletes in leadership roles. She made the USOTC to conduct swimming research using swimmers with disabilities as subjects. She was able to transfer the Paralympic selection process of athletes and coaches to USA Swimming and to pull a panel of disability experts and officials together to develop officiating guidelines in order to mainstream swimmers with a disability in USA Swimming meets.
Ms. Dummer has spent her career devoted to the advancement of athletes with disabilities and promoting activities that enable both the disabled and the able bodied the opportunity to learn how to train and coach these unique athletes.
2023 Al Schoenfield Media Award — John Lohn
John Lohn is the 2023 recipient of the Al Schoenfield Media Award for his outstanding contributions to the promotion of aquatic sports through journalism. This award is presented by ISHOF in memory of Al Schoenfield.
John Lohn is the Editor-in-Chief of Swimming World Magazine and its website, www.swimmingworldmagazine.com. He has covered the sport of swimming at the international level for more than 20 years, reporting from events such as the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pan Pacific Championships, United States Nationals and NCAA Championships. He has written five books on swimming, including Below the Surface, a 2021 publication which examines the history and top moments in the sport.
Lohn has written about every aspect within the pool, from historical figures to the background of competitive swimming. He takes a fascinating, in-depth look at the history of competitive swimming and the people and moments that have defined the sport in five books:
Below the Surface: The History of Competitive Swimming (2021); The 100 Greatest Swimmers in History (2018); The Most Memorable Moments in Olympic Swimming (2014); They Ruled the Pool: The 100 Greatest Swimmers in History (2013); Historical Dictionary of Competitive Swimming (2010);
Al Schoenfield was the Editor and Publisher of Swimming World Magazine (1960-1977) and served on various international committees of swimming, including the FINA Technical Swimming Committee (1980-1984). Schoenfield’s life was a commitment to swimming and he participated in its administrative structure and spread its stories through his magazines and promotions. Al died in 2005, but his legacy will forever endure to all who have benefited from his lifetime of service to swimming
2023 ISHOF Lifetime Achievement Award – Brent Rutemiller
Brent Rutemiller was initially a part of the Swimming World Magazine family as the creator of the Aquazoids, an educational animated series that has been printed in more than 150 countries, Rutemiller eventually joined Swimming World as its head of advertising. Over time, his influence grew, to the point where he ascended to publisher.
In his role as publisher, Rutemiller led a charge against doping in the sport, and fronted SwimmingWorld’s decision to strip several East German athletes of their world and regional swimmer of the year accolades. He also served as writer for the magazine, tackling critical issues such as doping, governance and mental health. His work was cited globally by television stations, newspapers, magazines and online outlets.
Before podcasts became popular, Rutemiller created The Morning Swim Show, an online TV series which interviewed some of the top names in the sport. More, Rutemiller oversaw the merger of Swimming World with the International Swimming Hall of Fame, as he recognized the importance of joining the two best-known entities in the sport. With Rutemiller at the helm, the Hall of Fame embarked on the development of a new museum and, in cooperation with the city of Fort Lauderdale, the construction of a new aquatics facility.
2023 Duraflex Diving Award Award – Melanie Beck (GBR)
Melanie Beck’s influence in diving is felt both in her country of Great Britian and inAquatics worldwide. Her administrative work for British Swimming enabled and supportedthe sport of Diving to develop from a minority sport in GBR to the second most successfulOlympic discipline. Under her guidance and leadership five Olympic medals were achievedin Tokyo and Rio, a rise of 500% from the London Games with the discipline now sitting justbehind China in the world rankings.
On the International stage Melanie has played a major role in managing and providingguidance alongside the local organising committees at three Olympic Games as well elevenWorld Championships and is currently event planning the Olympics in Paris 2024 and hertwelfth World Championships in Doha, Qatar in 2024 and Singapore in 2025.She has served FINA in many capacities, including in 2007 she was named the ManagingDirector of the FINA Diving World Series. In 2009 Melanie was appointed to the FINA Technical Diving Committee and Convener ofthe Events Sub-Committee. In 2022 she was appointed Secretary of the World AquaticsTechnical Diving Committee and will hold this position until 2025.
HIGH DIVING In 2015 Melanie was asked to serve as the Honorary Secretary of the newlyformed Technical High Diving Committee. High Diving became the sixth star of FINA andwas included into the World Championships in Barcelona. Melanie played a key role in thiscomplex transition for the new discipline and its athletes. As a member of the FINA HighDiving Commission, she continued to influence and provide the technical expertise until2022. Her influence has been worldwide. She has travelled to all five continents promoting,debating, teaching, and educating existing world-class judges and new judges commencingtheir careers. She travels across the international circuit event managing, judging,refereeing, evaluating but most of all enjoying passionately the sport she loves.
2023 Sammy Lee World Diver Award- Micki King (USA)
Micki King thrilled the world by winning the 1972 Olympic 3-meter Diving gold medal afterhaving lost the event in the Mexico City Olympic Games four years earlier due to a divingmishap that resulted in a broken arm. Amazingly, Micki completed that event with the brokenarm before it was determined she needed the arm to be placed in a cast. Appropriately, SportsIllustrated Magazine declared,” The Queen of Diving is King”. Micki’s contribution to the World of Diving and the USA was as bright as her Olympic goldmedal. Determined to give back to the sport she loved and to the United States Air Force whosupported her Olympic quest, her list of accomplishments is truly amazing.She was appointed to a Presidential Committee to study how Olympic sport can be bettermanaged which eventually led to the Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act of 1978. She wasappointed Chairman of the first Athletes Advisory Committee to the United States OlympicCommittee. Micki was twice elected to the United States Olympian Organization as VicePresident and served in that position for eight years.
As a United States Air Force officer, Micki was assigned to the USAF Academy to develop theintroduction of women cadets to the academy, as well as coach the diving team. She becamethe first woman to coach a man to an NCAA Diving Championship and was the first woman tobe appointed as an Air Force ROTC Detachment Commander. Micki was assigned to theUniversity of Kentucky, and after she retired from the USAF as a Cornel, she served as anAssistant Athletic Director for several years at Kentucky.
She was one of the first women that worked in broadcasting and was the diving commentatorfor ABC, in 1976, at the Montreal Olympic Games. Micki was voted President of USA Diving in 1990, was named manager of the United States Olympic Diving Team in 1988 (Seoul) and again in 1996 (Atlanta). She was elected to the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1978 and the United States Olympic Committee Hall of Fame in 1992 and tonight she becomes the first female recipient of the Sammy Lee World Diver Award.
ISHOF hosts the Aquatic Awards presented by AquaCal on Friday evening, September 29th and they are a huge success!
The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) hosted the annual ISHOF Aquatic Awards, presented by AquaCal (formerly the Paragon Awards) on Friday evening, September 29, in Fort Lauderdale, at the Marriott Harbor Harbor Beach Resort and Spa. The event was one of the largest Aquatic Award events to date. The ISHOF Aquatic Awards presented by AquaCal are presented annually to individuals or organizations for outstanding contributions to aquatics.
The annual Awards 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. ISHOF is always, along with its new sponsor, AquaCal, was proud to recognize these important individuals on Friday evening in Fort Lauderdale.
About This Year’s Award Recipients:
Mike Unger (USA) – Competitive Swimming
There is probably no one more knowledgeable about swimming than Mike Unger. After spending 28 years at United States Swimming, he was hired as a Senior Advisor at World Aquatics (formerly FINA), based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Over the last almost two years, Unger has helped lead World Aquatics efforts at all major aquatic events such as the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
Mike served as USA Swimming’s Chief Operating Officer for the last 18 years of his tenure there. He also served as the organization’s Assistant Executive Director, National Events Director, Marketing Director, National Team Coordinator, and also spent time as the interim Executive Director following the death of longtime Executive Director Chuck Wielgus.
In his role as COO, Unger oversaw all major events, including the U.S. Olympic Trials, the Golden Goggle Awards, the Pan Pacific Championships, and the Duel in The Pool.
In addition to his major roles at USA Swimming, Unger has also worked “on loan” for NBC Sports and Olympics as a co-producer and associate producer at numerous events, including the past seven Olympic Games with friend and on-air talent, ISHOF Honoree Rowdy Gaines. Unger’s work on the Olympic swimming coverage earned him three Emmy awards and five nominations.
Ellie Smart (USA) – Diving
Ellie Smart is the Chief Executive Officer of the International High Diving Institute (IHDI), which was founded to develop the sport of high diving by providing training opportunities, hosting events, and creating a community for athletes, coaches, and fans. The IDHI supports junior and senior development in addition to technical and freestyle disciplines of high diving. The International High Diving Institute partnered with the Utah Olympic Park to construct the United States’ first high diving training platform. Ellie has been the CEO of the IHDI for over two years now. Ellie and a few others are also working to get the sport of high diving included into the Olympic program, hopefully by 2028.
In addition to being the acting CEO of the IHDI, Smart is also a high diver herself. She has made her debut on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series circuit in 2017 and earned a permanent place in the women’s line-up for the 2019 season with a third place at the FINA World Cup.
Ellie has recently become a resident of the City of Fort Lauderdale and trains at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center.
Maria José Bilbao Bruñel (ESP) – Artistic Swimming
Maria José Bilbao Bruñel has been involved with synchronized swimming for most of her life. She began as an athlete in her home country of Spain and retired after a successful career. She then began to coach, which eventually led to judging. She was the founding member of her club, CN. Kallipolos in 1968.
She began as a Catalan judge, graduated to national judge and then became an international judge in 1998. She was appointed as a member to the FINA Artistic Swimming Technical Committee, 2009-2022. She was named a FINA Assessor in 2013, and a FINA Referee in 2014. She has been involved in most every type of Artistic competition there is, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
She was FINA Evaluator in 2019 at the World Championships, in 2020 at the Olympic Games, in 2022 at the World Championships in Budapest and in 2022 at COMEN in France as well as many other national and international competitions. Brunel is currently the President of the FINA Innovation Committee, in charge of drawing up the 2022-2025 regulations.
Mark Koganov (AZE) – Water Polo
Mark Koganov began his career in the sport of water polo as an athlete between the years of 1982-1990 and as a member of National team of Azerbaijan.
He later became a water polo referee, and between 1998 and today, he has officiated in approximately 300 international games, more than 1500 collegiate games in different conferences, including officiating in six NCAA Finals, for both men and women.
Koganov has held numerous aquatic positions, including Water Polo Competitions Director, Aquatic Competitions Manager and has held administrative positions in the sport.
He is currently the Vice President of Azerbaijan Swimming Federation, a position he has held since 2012. He is also a LEN TWPC Member, a position he began serving in 2016 and he was the Vice Chairman of the FINA Technical Water Polo Committee, 2017 – 2022.
Koganov has refereed LEN Champions League, Super Cup Finals, and Championship Finals. He has been a neutral referee for the Asian Games, World Championships, and the Olympic Games.
Sofia Forte (USA) – Recreational Swimming
Sofia Forte is a P.E. Middle School Teacher at John Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg, Florida. As the P.E. teacher, Forte chooses the curriculum for her middle-schoolers. Since they are lucky enough to have E.H. McLin Pool across the street from the school, swimming is always at the top of her list! Sofia knows that drowning is the number #1 cause of deaths in children in the state, not to mention, she sees her kids get healthier by the time the semester is over.
But it isn’t always easy. Sofia pushes her school to work in conjunction with the City of St. Petersburg, who makes its certified lifeguards available as instructors. And the State of Florida helped by passing legislation supporting the work of the “Every Child A Swimmer” program. Children are tested on the first day, then placed in the appropriate level – beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Each child will get a minimum of eight lessons over a two-week period. “Most kids can’t swim on the first day,” said Forte, who has been the driving force behind the program for eight years now. “We want them to be able to save themselves.”
“It is part of our state curriculum, but it is not pushed. Not at all,” Forte added.
Forte and her kids are lucky that they can walk to and from Campbell Park. “If a school has the ability to do it, there’s everything to gain and nothing to lose.”
But you can bet without Sofia Forte spearheading this, this program would not be happening!
Cullen Jones (USA) – Water Safety
It is hard to believe that two-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones was once afraid of the water. But in fact, as a child, he almost drowned when he was just five. Luckily, his mother enrolled him in a swim program and the rest, as they say is history.
Jones has been an advocate of learn to swim programs for children since he was a member of the USA National team. Cullen will often tell his own story to children to make himself more relatable to anyone learning how to swim. He is a member of multiple initiatives, including being an ambassador for USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash program aimed at promoting water safety on a national level. He is also a member of the Goldfish Swim School. In addition, Cullen is an ambassador for African American swimmers, showing children that black kids can swim too, shattering the stereotype, especially when he became the first African American to break a World Record in swimming, and there was also that time he won two Olympic gold medals.
Cullen makes his way around the country offering opportunities for kids from all walks of life to learn to swim.
More children ages 1-4 die from drowning which is more than any other cause of death. 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings occur each year; that’s 11 drownings occurring each day in the U.S. alone; 70% of African American children, 60% of Latino children and 40% of Caucasian children have little or no swimming ability. Cullen wants to combat these statistics and will continue to fight until maybe one day, its common place for every child to learn to swim, just as easily as it is to read.
#ISHOF #Aquaticawards #USASwimmingFoundation #Fortlauderdale #Diving #Waterpolo #MakeASplash #Artisticswimming #EverychildAswimmer #swimlessons #Honoreeinduction #WorldAqutics #USA #Spain #Azerbaijan #Marriottharborbeach
Fort Lauderdale approves $190M overhaul of International Swimming Hall of Fame
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission approved a public-private partnership (P3) development deal that would lead to the $190 million redevelopment and expansion of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
The vote on Sept. 19 approved the lease and development deal with Hall of Fame Partners, managed by Mario Caprini of Capital Group P3 Developments of Florida in Boca Raton, for the ISHOF at 501 Seabreeze Blvd. Fort Lauderdale-based Hensel Phelps Construction Co. is also a partner in the project. The process started in 2020 when the developer submitted an unsolicited P3 proposal to the city.
“The new and improved ISHOF will be a significant complement to our world class Aquatic Center and Dive Tower,” Mayor Dean Trantalis stated.
The aquatic center and dive tower recently underwent a $47 million renovation. The P3 project would feature two buildings on either side of these aquatic center.
The developer anticipates starting the first of three phases of construction in late 2023 and opening the first building in 2025. The Hall of Fame will be relocated to a temporary facility during a portion of the construction.
A new east building will be constructed with a welcome center, ISHOF museum, a café, a surf simulator machine, about 27,000 square feet of office space, and a roof deck. In addition, the new west building would have a museum gift shop, a café, a teaching pool, a parking garage, exhibit spaces, VIP suites, a grandstand to watch diving, an event center, and a rooftop restaurant.
Each building would rise five stories, and the new space would total nearly 331,000 square feet.
“As the swimming and diving capital of the world, Fort Lauderdale is deserving of a crown jewel that can be enjoyed by the best swimmers in the world, our local community, and visitors throughout the year,” stated ISHOF Chairman of the Board Bill Kent.
The ISHOF is slated to induct Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, on Sept. 30.
The estimated costs of the project are $190 million and the city would pay $9.5 million to $11 million per year toward those costs. However, the city’s costs are expected to be offset by revenue generated by the project through the lease with the developer, according to a staff memo. The city would receive half of the revenue from the project.
According to an economic analysis of the project by Business Flare Analytics, the project would have a $292 million economic impact during construction and support 750 jobs upon completion. It would also place a property that was exempt from property taxes on the tax rolls, generating $14 million in property tax revenue for the city, county and school board over 30 years.
The developer is working with Washington, D.C.-based MACQ Holdings, Miami-based architect Arquitectonica and Fort Lauderdale attorneys Jennifer Bales Drake of Becker and Stephanie Toothaker.
Toothaker said the developer has letters of intent in place for almost all of the subtenant spaces in the building, including the restaurants and workspace. She said a three-star Michelin restaurant is interested in the rooftop restaurant on the west building. The site plan will be finalized by the city later.
“This will be a place people will want to go and spend the afternoon,” Toothaker said. “It just elevates our beach.”
Column: Latest International Swimming Hall of Fame Class Celebrates Greatness; 13 Honorees Inducted
by JOHN LOHN – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
30 September 2023, 06:33pm
Latest International Swimming Hall of Fame Class Celebrates Greatness
There was always going to be something special about the first class of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. The year was 1965, and like any initial induction, the athletes enshrined accounted for a Who’s-Who of the sport. Just a few: Johnny Weissmuller. Dawn Fraser. Duke Kahanamoku. Robert Kiphuth. Gertrude Ederle.
In the five-plus decades since, ISHOF has continued to celebrate the greats of aquatic sports. The yearly induction ceremony in Fort Lauderdale is a special event, one which honors individual excellence, but also recognizes history and offers inspiration for the future. Really, that combination is the essence of all Halls of Fame.
On Saturday night, ISHOF’s latest class – its 58th – was feted at the Parker Playhouse. Those in attendance applauded vociferously and rose to their feet for several standing ovations. For the first time, the event was broadcast by ESPN+, enabling fans, family, and friends to witness the event from around the world.
By definition, any Hall of Fame class is grand. It’s a pinnacle accomplishment in a career, and enshrinement isn’t doled out like a pizza-shop coupon. ISHOF conducts an exhaustive, year-round process is utilized to select each year’s honorees. Eventually, that year’s group of legends is revealed, and they are brought to Southern Florida to receive their due – and place in aquatics history.
As it should be, there is something special about this 2023 class. The career accolades of the 13 individuals recognized would stand strong against any other year. The five swimmers totaled 51 career Olympic medals. But the class, too, has range – athletes from the artistic, Paralympic, diving, governance and water polo worlds all having reached spectacular heights. Arguments can be made that Trischa Zorn (Paralympics) and Natalia Ishchenko (artistic swimming) are the best in history from their respective domains.
Here is a look at the full class of inductees:
Bob Bowman (USA) / Honor CoachChris Carver (USA) / Honor CoachCesar Cielo (BRA) / Honor SwimmerKirsty Coventry (ZIM) / Honor SwimmerMissy Franklin (USA) / Honor SwimmerNatalia Ischenko (RUS) / Honor Synchronized SwimmerKosuke Kitajima (JPN) / Honor SwimmerHeather Petri (USA) / Honor Water Polo PlayerMichael Phelps (USA) / Honor SwimmerWu Minxia (CHN) / Honor DiverSam Ramsamy (RSA) / Honor ContributorStéphane Lecat (FRA) / Honor Open Water SwimmerTrischa Zorn (USA) / Honor Paralympic Swimmer
In Michael Phelps, there is no debate concerning his status as the greatest swimmer his sport has seen. He was a modern-day Moses, moving water like no other. It equated to 28 Olympic medals, 23 of the gold variety. During a career that spanned 2000-2016, Phelps was the undisputed face of the sport. He proved anything was achievable, such as claiming eight gold medals in a single Olympiad, and he served as an inspiration for youngsters dreaming of their own success in the pool.
The fact that Phelps was inducted on a night when his longtime coach, Bob Bowman, also earned enshrinement was only appropriate. It was Bowman who was willing to tell an 11-year-old’s parents that he had the potential for greatness. He then followed that claim by molding Phelps’ career in deliberate and careful fashion.
Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
As she delivered her acceptance speech, six-time Olympic medalist Missy Franklin wore her trademark smile. Franklin will long be remembered for her backstroke and freestyle prowess, her double-gold in the backstroke events at the 2012 Olympics an iconic sweep. Yet, she will also be recalled for what she brought to the sport from a personality standpoint. Franklin’s bubbly, full-of-life demeanor showed that you don’t have to be a robot, or free of verve, to excel. She showed you can also reach the top of the sport with pure joy, and while connecting with a fanbase – something she continues to do today.
Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
Meanwhile, Kirsty Coventry was honored following a career that yielded seven Olympic medals. Who would have thought such a run could be made by an athlete born in Zimbabwe, not exactly a hot bed for swimming. But Coventry found a way, and provided proof that success can come from any locale, as long as belief and hard work click in unison.
The night of Saturday, September 30 is now part of swimming’s history. There are 13 new members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Their stories will resonate in perpetuity, and soon have a place in the new ISHOF museum. Just like that inaugural class from 1965, these athletes will continue to have an impact on the aquatics’ world.
The past, present, and future have again been celebrated, and will forever be intertwined. It’s what a Hall of Fame is all about.
ISHOF Silent Auction Open and ready for bidding!
$2500 Trip Credit
Universal Trip
The Touch
So many great items to choose from. Travel, entertainment, restaurants, sports memorabilia and not just swimming! Artwork, trips, hotel stays, wines, there’s something for every one! Plan ahead now for the Holidays or buy something for that special someone while helping ISHOF, your Hall of Fame! Bid now and Bid often!
Check back as we will be adding new items everyday up until the day of the event, September 30, 2023. The bidding will end on the evening of the induction, September 30th 2023.
CLICK HERE TO BID://ishof.home.qtego.us/
Got your TICKETS YET?
The ISHOF 58th Annual Induction is just around the corner…….
58th Annual Induction CeremonyIt is that time of year again where the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Inducts it’s new class of honorees! This year our Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Parker (Playhouse) in Fort Lauderdale.
Tickets are now on sale on Ticketmaster. To purchase tickets, click on this link. https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D005EF4B8CBCE3D
This year’s honorees include aquatics legends such as Michael Phelps, Bob Bowman, Missy Franklin, Kirsty Coventry and 9 more individuals who excelled in aquatic sports. Come join us for what is to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to mingle with these aquatic legends.
for more information on the event:
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!! ISHOF’s 58th Annual Honoree Induction Ceremony ~ September 30th ~ Don’t miss the GREATEST Aquatic SHOW in HISTORY!!!
58th Annual Induction CeremonyIt is that time of year again where the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Inducts new honorees! This year our Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Parker (Playhouse) in Fort Lauderdale.
Tickets are now on sale on Ticketmaster. To purchase tickets, click on this link. https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D005EF4B8CBCE3D
This year’s honorees include aquatics legends such as Michael Phelps, Bob Bowman, Missy Franklin, Kirsty Coventry and 9 more individuals who excelled in aquatic sports. Come join us for what is to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to mingle with these aquatic legends.
for more information on the event:
SILENT AUCTION ~ BIDDING IS OPEN
Don’t forget to visit our Silent Auction page by clicking on the link below. You do not need to be present to win (we will ship – shipping charges apply)
Universal Studios
Bourbon and Cigars
We hope to see you there!
The 2023 ISHOF Honoree Induction Ceremonies Silent Auction is OPEN and ready for Bidding!
The International Swimming Hall of Fame 2023 Honoree Induction Weekend Silent Auction is now open!
New items are being added every week. The auction is open until September 30, 2023.
Click the button below to bid on amazing auction items such as hotel stays, getaways, restaurant gift cards, entertainment options, sports memorabilia and much, much more!
Universal Studios
$2500 Trip Credit
The Touch 2008-100 Fly
Plan ahead for Christmas and shop now for that special someone! You’ll be a hero if you’re lucky enough to win one of our fabulous items, all while knowing you’re supporting the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
If tou have not made your plans yet to attend the 2023 ISHOF Induction, Click Here to Learn More!
Mind Reading: Michael Phelps On The Watershed Article About His Mental Health That Inspired A New NFT Series
shared from: Forbes Magazine
Michael Phelps, November 2021 GETTY IMAGES
It’s been seven years since Michael Phelps first publicly acknowledged the debilitating mental health issues he’d been struggling with throughout his legendary career as a swimmer. The news came out in in a November 2015 Sports Illustrated cover story: The most decorated Olympian of all time struggled with anxiety and depression, and had contemplated suicide.
“I still don’t know why at that very moment I just let it all out,” Phelps says today. “For whatever reason, the time and place were perfect and it was like, ‘I’m ready, buckle up.’ Looking back, that’s the moment that probably saved my life—being able to let that stuff out that I was compartmentalizing for decades.”
To commemorate that watershed occasion, Phelps and SI are teaming on a collection of digital covers that drops December 6 via Web3 company OneOf. The collection is a nod to the original sports collectible trends of yesteryear, with action figures reimagined for Phelps’ ninth Sports Illustrated cover. Phelps will donate all of his proceeds to the foundation he established in 2008.
“It was one of the most meaningful stories of my career,” he says. “Mental health is so important to me and this will help us with what we’re trying to do to lower the stigma around mental health and get people the help and the care they need.”
The narrative of Phelps’ mental health journey and the ways he uses his influence to help others is ongoing. Its chapters continue to evolve through the work of The Michael Phelps Foundation, through his partnership with online therapy company Talkspace, through just being Michael Phelps.
“Through everything I’ve gone through, I saw a significant opportunity to make an impact in mental health. I’ve looked suicide basically in the face. I saw myself as a swimmer and not a human. I had a swim cap on and a pair of goggles and people just saw me as this kid who wins a shitload of medals,” he says.
“And I’m now on this side where I was able to find the help I needed to be able to look at myself in the mirror and like what I see. I have feelings like everybody else, and the struggles I have are just like what everybody else is going through. So my thing is, ‘How do we help?’
Phelps’ own path to healing began at a residential treatment center, where he was introduced to therapy for the first time.
“I will say therapy has saved me, and it’s helped me process life on dry land a little bit easier. When I first started seeing a therapist I was like, ‘I don’t want to do this, it seems awkward.’ Then I come out of my first session, and I was like, ‘Wow that was awesome. The complete opposite of what I thought,’ ” he says.
“When I was in treatment we had basic emotions that were on the wall and every single day we would talk about them. Some days were harder than others but being able to understand how you feel and communicate that is something that is important for all of us.”
The Talkspace partnership was a natural fit for Phelps, who was used to being on the road for large periods of time and understood the danger of pushing off a session because it wasn’t convenient to show up for an in-person appointment.
“For me, it’s covering myself and being prepared in any situation,” he says. “If I’m on the road and I’m struggling I can make a phone call, have a Facetime, text to my therapist. It’s just having these tools ready at any single opportunity. That’s what I did when I was swimming. I was prepared. I want to be prepared if there ever is a situation when I go spinning—and I do get triggered—so for me it was just perfect.”
Not surprisingly, he’s also keenly tapped into the mind-body connection, and he still works out in various capacities six or seven days a week.
“If I’m in a really in a dark spot, I need to go swim. That’s the only place that is quiet. I don’t get much quiet time in my life and if I need that escape, that’s’ the place where I can go I and just turn my mind off because it’s so natural.”
Phelps also does his share of journaling. “I still write a lot, and I like going back and looking at it,” he says. “I’m pretty detailed about what’s going on. Whether I didn’t sleep enough or didn’t get enough water… throughout my career I’ve been used to paying attention to every small detail, and I just want to give myself the best chance every single day to be the best me. Obviously some days are harder than others but if I’m able to get 5 percent, 10 percent, 20 percent out of that day then it’s a win.”
Through his foundation, whose signature program IM is a multifaceted life-skills curriculum focused on water safety; physical, social and emotional health; and goal-setting, he partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of America—the program has reached more than 35,000 participants—and Special Olympics International.
“Whether it’s kids overcoming their fear of swimming and becoming more confident, and then their grades are getting better in school and everything starts to move forward—I love being able to hear the stories,” he says.
In fact, Phelps thrives on feedback. “If somebody walks up and becomes vulnerable and shares their story because I have shared my journey—for me that’s bigger than anything else,” he says.
“For a long time I felt like I was standing on top of that mountain screaming and no one was listening. And now we’re at a point where more people are putting their hands up into the air trying to get people to listen. We’re not shutting these things down and holding on to them, and hopefully that in turn is allowing people to become their authentic selves.”
Of course, there’s feedback and there’s feedback.
A few years ago Phelps was approached by a man at an airport who asked how he’s been spending his time. Phelps responded he’s focused on helping destigmatize mental health. “He said, ‘So, you’re telling me you talk about your mental health and you think that’s going to help people?’” Phelps recalls. “And then he says, ‘I think that’s almost a sign of weakness.’ And at that point I took both of my headsets out and was like, ‘Dude…’ ”
After a bit more back forth during which the man insisted neither he nor anyone close to him struggled with PTSD, anxiety, depression—“I listed 10 different things,” Phelps says—Phelps finally shut down the conversation. It was a moment of frustration, but this is a man who knows how to channel frustration into opportunity.
“I honestly couldn’t believe it, but at that point I was like, ‘This is exactly why I’m doing what I’m doing,’ ” he says.
“I want our foundation’s mental health division to continue to evolve. Every person needs something different so I want to be able to give every option to try to save a life. Saving a life is way more important than ever winning a gold medal.”
Mind Reading (formerly Hollywood & Mind) is a recurring column that lives at the intersection of entertainment and wellbeing, and features interviews with musicians, actors and other culture influencers who are elevating the conversation around mental health.
Follow me on Twitter.
Today in History: ISHOF 2023 Honor Swimmer Kosuke Kitajima (of Japan) wraps up the 100/200m breaststroke double at the Athens Olympics when he wins the 200m in 2:09.44, an Olympic record
Come see KOSUKE KITAJIMA LIVE and IN PERSON as he is officially inducted with other great Aquatic Athletes, like MICHAEL PHELPS, MISSY FRANKLIN, CESAR CIELO and KIRSTY COVENTRY into the INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME in Fort Lauderdale on September 30, 2023. Seats are Limited, buy your tickets NOW!
58th Annual ISHOF Honoree Induction CeremonyHosted By Dara TorresSaturday, September 30, 2023The Parker Playhouse707 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, 33304954.462.0222
Purchase Saturday Night Tickets Here
Class of 2023 Honorees
Bob Bowman (USA) / Honor CoachChris Carver (USA) / Honor CoachCesar Cielo (BRA) / Honor SwimmerKirsty Coventry (ZIM) / Honor SwimmerMissy Franklin (USA) / Honor SwimmerNatalia Ischenko (RUS) / Honor Synchronized SwimmerKosuke Kitajima (JPN) / Honor SwimmerHeather Petri (USA) / Honor Water Polo PlayerMichael Phelps (USA) / Honor SwimmerWu Minxia (CHN) / Honor DiverSam Ramsamy (RSA) / Honor ContributorStephane Lecat (FRA) / Honor Open Water SwimmerTrischa Zorn (USA) / Honor Paralympic Swimmer
2023 ISHOF Aquatic Awards &ISHOF Specialty AwardsPresented by AquaCal
Friday, September 29, 2023
Purchase Friday Night Tickets Here
ISHOF Aquatic AwardsCompetitive Swimming: Mike Unger (USA)Competitive Diving: Ellie Smart (USA)Water Polo: Mark Koganov (AZB)Artistic Swimming: Maria Jose Bilbao (ESP)Aquatic Safety: Cullen Jones (USA)Recreational Swimming: Sofia Forte (USA)
ISHOF Specialty Awards John K. Williams Jr. Award: Gail M. Dummer (USA)Judge Martin Award: Norm Taplin (USA)ISHOF Service Award: Laura Voet (USA)Buck Dawson Author’s Award: Elaine K. Howley (USA)Buck Dawson Author’s Award: Tom Gompf (USA)Al Schoenfield Media Award: John Lohn Virginia Hunt Newman Award: Amanda GawthropeSammy Lee Award: USA Diving/Duraflex
5:00 – Cocktails and hors d’oeuvresOceanview Veranda Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach, 3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954.525.40006:00 – Awards Ceremony Grand Ballroom – Salon EFort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach8:30 – Dinner on own
HOTEL INFORMATION
Host Hotel: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, (3030, Harbor Drive, Fort Lauderdale, 33316, 954. 525.4000) site of the Friday night awards ceremony is our host hotel. The hotel has given us a special rate of $229 per room night. Please make your reservations through the link below prior to August 29.
(Be sure to say you do not want the resort fee or you will be charged $259)
To make reservations click here: https://book.passkey.com/e/50527236
Upscale retreat with private beach access, two pools, four restaurants, full-service spa and oceanside bar. Location of the Friday evening awards ceremony.
¼ mile south of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
($30 Resort fee – Guests can opt out if not interested in resort amenities)
Additional Hotel Option:
Courtyard Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach, 440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 524-8733.
Click Here: Book your group rate for Honoree Ceremony
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $169 – $189 per night
Honoree Ceremony September 29-30, 2023: Last Day to Book: Friday, August 31, 2023.