USA Swimming hosts 20th Annual Golden Goggle Awards in L.A.: Katie Ledecky, Kate Douglass Tie For Female Swimmer of Year; Ryan Murphy Prevails
Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
by DAN D’ADDONA — SWIMMING WORLD MANAGING EDITOR
19 November 2023, 07:58pm
USA Swimming honored this year’s best at the 20th Annual Golden Goggle Awards on Sunday, Nov. 19, at the J.W. Marriott at L.A. in Los Angeles.
The Golden Goggle Awards nominations are based on the year’s top accomplishments by American swimmers, focusing primarily on the World Aquatics Championships – Fukuoka 2023. The U.S. team finished the pool meet with 38 medals (7g, 20s, 11b) – 13 more than any other competing federation and earning Team of the Meet distinction.
The show was hosted by Summer Sanders and Elizabeth Beisel and began with an introduction of the worlds team.
Male Race of the Year – Bobby Finke
Bobby Finke won the Golden Goggle Award for male race of the year. At worlds, he broke the American record in the 1500 freestyle to earn the silver medal. It is the third straight race of the year honor for Finke.
The other nominees were Ryan Murphy in the 100 backstroke and Jack Alexy in the 100 free.
Female Race of the Year – Katie Grimes
Katie Grimes won the Female Race of the Year award after taking bronze in the 10K open water race to clinch a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The other nominees were Katie Ledecky in the 1500 free and Kate Douglass in the 200 IM.
Breakout Swimmer of the Year – Jack Alexy
Jack Alexy was named Breakout Swimmer of the Year. He won a pair of silver medals in the sprint freestyle events at worlds and was also part of a couple of U.S. relays.
The other nominees were Thomas Heilman, Katie Grimes and Dare Rose.
Relay of the Year – Gretchen Walsh, Lilly King, Kate Douglass and Regan Smith
The Relay of the Year Golden Goggle award went to the women’s 400 medley relay that won the gold medal behind Gretchen Walsh, Lilly King, Kate Douglass and Regan Smith, along with prelim swimmers Abbey Weitzeil and Lydia Jacoby.
The other nominees were the men’s medley relay and the women’s 800.
Foundation Impact Awards – Tim and Jennifer Buckley
Tim and Jennifer Buckley were named as recipients of the Impact Award by the USA Swimming Foundation as mentors.
Coaching Impact Award – Eddie Reese
The coaching impact award went to longtime Texas and Team USA coach Eddie Reese.
“Awards aren’t really my thing – you guys are my thing,” Reese said.
Coach of the Year – Dave Durden
Dave Durden of Cal was named Coach of the Year. He coached six athletes at the World Championships that combined for 20 medals, including relay spots.
The other nominees were Todd DeSorbo, Bob Bowman, Anthony Nesty and Ron Aitken.
Perseverance Award – Lydia Jacoby
The Golden Goggle Award for perseverance went to Lydia Jacoby. After a breakout Olympic year, Jacoby struggled with depression and mental health issues and has fought through to return to the world’s top stage, earning the bronze medal in the 100 breaststroke at worlds.
“This means so much. We all struggle. Missing that team in 2022 felt like the end of the world, but … it was the beginning of a new one, Jacoby said.
New mom Ashley Twichell was the other nominee.
Alumni Award – Lenny Krayzelburg
This inaugural award for alumni who give back to the sport after retirement went to Lenny Krayzelburg.
Fran Crippen Open Water Award – Katie Grimes
The Open Water Swimmer of the Year award that honors the late Fran Crippen was awarded to Katie Grimes, who won the bronze in the 10K to qualify for Paris.
The other nominee was Mariah Denigan.
Male Swimmer of the Year – Ryan Murphy
Ryan Murphy was named Male Swimmer of the Year. He won four medals in Fukuoka, including gold in the 100 backstroke and silver in the 200 backstroke.
The other nominees were Bobby Finke, Jack Alexy and Carson Foster.
Female Swimmer of the Year
The final award of the night was the Female Swimmer of the Year and it was a tie, going to Katie Ledecky and
Kate Douglass.
Ledecky won world titles in the 1500 free and 800 free, the latter for the record sixth time.
Meanwhile, Douglass earned six medals in Fukuoka, tied for the most. She won gold in the 200 IM.
The other nominees were Katie Grimes and Regan Smith.
Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
Honoring the Life of a Synchronized Swimming Legend ~ Sue Ahlf ~ 2003 ISHOF Paragon Winner
BY USA ARTISTIC SWIMMING
Sue Ahlf’s interest with synchronized swimming began in 1946 at the Athens Club in Oakland, California when Betty Brandlein and Hall of Famer Dawn Bean sparked her excitement. She became a volunteer with the U.S. Synchronized Swimming Pacific Association. In 1955, Sue founded the Soltau Swim Club in Danville, California and became an official synchronized swimming judge. After several successful years, the club dissolved and she worked with the Howell Swim Team.
But in 1968, she founded the Walnut Creek (CA) Aquanuts. She coached the club until 1980 when she moved to Hawaii. To date, Walnut Creek has won 30 U.S. National Championships and is coached by her Hall of Fame daughter, Gail Emery. While in Hawaii, Sue introduced synchronized swimming to the islands and hosted two each Pan-Pacific Games, Far Western Meets and U.S. National Championships.
Sue is an internationally ranked judge, synchro clinician and manager for two U.S. junior national teams. She is now involved in Sacramento’s (CA) recreation league teaching the basics of synchronized swimming to more than 600 athletes each year. She holds a B.S. in Recreation Management from Cal State Hayward. Sue is a 1983 U.S.S.S. Hall of Fame inductee and a current member of the U.S.S.S. Board of Governors. She is a tireless volunteer who has devoted her life to the advancement of synchronized swimming.
Penny Lee Dean, EdD to receive the 2024 Poseidon Award
FORT LAUDERDALE –The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) will recognize Penny Lee Dean, EdDfor her high-level achievement in marathon swimming with the 2024 Poseidon Award. TheAward will be presented to Penny during the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame(IMSHOF) Induction and Award Ceremony on Saturday May 18th, 2024 in Cancun México.The Poseidon Award is presented annually by the International Swimming Hall of Fame tothe organization or individual for high level achievement from personal effort or initiative in afield of endeavor that contributes to the performance of marathon swimmers or to thedevelopment and status of Marathon Swimming to the world.
This year’s award honors Penny Lee Dean, EdD. She delivered high level achievements asa marathon swimmer: won 1 major (1979 World Professional Marathon SwimmingFederation) and other prestigious races, set 2 overall Catalina Channel speed records whichstill stand more than 40 years later, set overall English Channel speed record which stoodfor 16 years and female record which stood for 28 years.
Penny delivered high level achievements as an administrator: Catalina Channel SwimmingFederation – Founder, President more than 10 years and Historian/Board Member for morethan 40 years. Meet director for the 1984 USA Long Distance International Championshipsacross the Catalina Channel.
She delivered high level achievements as a coach: USA Swimming National Open WaterTeam Coach for twelve years (winning every competition) – taking teams to the 1991 PanPacific Championships; 1991 World Swimming Championships; 1982/1986/1990Windermere Championships; 1990 English Channel Race and 1984/1989 Catalina ChannelRaces.
She was inducted as an Honor Swimmer in the International Marathon Swimming Hall ofFame (IMSHOF) in 1980. The International Swimming Hall of Fame inducted Penny In 1996and presented her with the Buck Dawson Authors Award in 1998.
For additional information, please call Ned Denison in Ireland at (+353) 87-987-1573 or ISHOF at (+1 954) 462-6536, or visit https://ishof.org
Massimo Giuliani to Receive the 2024 Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award
FORT LAUDERDALE – The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) will
recognize Massimo Giuliani, for his extensive contributions to the administration of open
water swimming with the 2024 Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award.
The Award will be presented to Massimo during the International Marathon Swimming Hall of
Fame (IMSHOF) Induction and Award Ceremony in Cancun México on Saturday May 18th
2024. The Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award is presented annually
by the International Swimming Hall of Fame to the individual who has contributed the most to
the administration of open water swimming.
This year’s award recognizes Massimo Giuliani, an open water swimming administrator from
Italy. Following a successful coaching career (1994 FINA World Champion Team), Massimo
moved to administration to become the Open Water Team Manager for Italy from 1995 to
2020. During these years, Italy rose to the top three level of international programs –
winning the overall points competition in 5 different years. Under Massimo’s guidance and
leadership Italy has won 17 gold, 17 silver & 19 bronze at major International 10 km and 25
km events.
He also took on a senior role from 2019 to 2022 in LEN (European Swimming) as Technical
Open Water Swim Committee Secretary. Massimo served as the President of the Organizing
Committee of the 2012 European Open Water Championships and 2016 Junior Open Water
European Championships plus Competition Manager at European Open Water Swimming
Championships in Rome 2022.He was one of the youngest qualified swimming coaches in
Italy in 1985 and became the Italian 25 km Team Coach for the 1994 FINA World Championship
Team.
Massimo was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Coach in
2020.
Massimo Giuliani riceverà il premio Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE – L’International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) riconoscerà
Massimo Giuliani, per il suo ampio contributo alla gestione del nuoto in acque libere, con il
premio Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award 2024. Il premio sarà
consegnato a Massimo durante la cerimonia di premiazione e di induzione dell’International
Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) che si terrà a Cancun, in Messico, sabato 18
maggio 2024. Il premio Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award viene
assegnato annualmente dalla International Swimming Hall of Fame alla persona che ha
contribuito maggiormente alla gestione del nuoto in acque libere.
Quest’anno il premio è stato assegnato a Massimo Giuliani, amministratore del nuoto in
acque libere in Italia. Dopo una carriera di allenatore di successo (squadra campione del
mondo FINA 1994), Massimo è passato all’amministrazione diventando il responsabile della
squadra di nuoto in acque libere dell’Italia dal 1995 al 2020. Durante questi anni, l’Italia è
salita ai primi tre livelli dei programmi internazionali, vincendo la classifica generale in 5 anni
diversi. Sotto la guida e la direzione di Massimo, l’Italia ha vinto 17 ori, 17 argenti e 19
bronzi nei principali eventi internazionali di 10 e 25 km.
Dal 2019 al 2022 ha assunto anche un ruolo di responsabilità nella LEN (European
Swimming) come Segretario del Comitato Tecnico di Nuoto in acque libere. Massimo ha
ricoperto il ruolo di Presidente del Comitato Organizzatore dei Campionati Europei in acque
libere del 2012 e dei Campionati Europei Juniores in acque libere del 2016, nonché di
Competition Manager dei Campionati Europei di nuoto in acque libere di Roma 2022.
È stato uno dei più giovani allenatori di nuoto qualificati in Italia nel 1985 ed è diventato
l’allenatore della squadra italiana di 25 km per i campionati mondiali FINA del 1994.
Massimo è stato inserito nella International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame come Honor
Coach nel 2020.
For additional information, please call Ned Denison in Ireland at (+353) 87-987-1573 or
ISHOF at (+1 954) 462-6536, or visit https://ishof.org
Venerdì 17 novembre 2024
Massimo Giuliani riceverà il premio Irving Davids/Captain
Roger W. Wheeler Memorial 2024
FORT LAUDERDALE – L’International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) riconoscerà
Massimo Giuliani, per i suoi ampi contributi alla gestione del nuoto in acque libere, con il
premio Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award 2024. Il premio saràconsegnato a
Massimo durante la cerimonia di premiazione e di induzione dell’International
Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) che si terrà a Cancun, in Messico, sabato 18
maggio 2024. Il premio Irving Davids/Captain Roger W. Wheeler Memorial Award viene
assegnato annualmente dalla International Swimming Hall of Fame alla persona che ha
contribuito maggiormente alla gestione del nuoto in acque libere.
Il premio di quest’anno è stato assegnato a Massimo Giuliani, amministratore del nuoto in
acque libere in Italia. Dopo una carriera di allenatore di successo (squadra campione del
mondo FINA 1994), Massimo è passato all’amministrazione diventando il responsabile della
squadra di nuoto in acque libere dell’Italia dal 1995 al 2020. Durante questi anni, l’Italia è
salita ai primi tre livelli dei programmi internazionali, vincendo la classifica generale in 5 anni
diversi. Sotto la guida e la direzione di Massimo, l’Italia ha vinto 17 ori, 17 argenti e 19
bronzi nei principali eventi internazionali di 10 e 25 km.
Dal 2019 al 2022 ha assunto anche un ruolo di responsabilità nella LEN (European
Swimming) come Segretario del Comitato Tecnico di Nuoto in acque libere. Massimo ha
ricoperto il ruolo di Presidente del Comitato Organizzatore dei Campionati Europei in acque
libere del 2012 e dei Campionati Europei Juniores in acque libere del 2016, nonché di
Competition Manager dei Campionati Europei di nuoto in acque libere di Roma 2022.
È stato uno dei più giovani allenatori di nuoto qualificati in Italia nel 1985 ed è diventato
l’allenatore della squadra italiana di 25 km per i campionati mondiali FINA del 1994.
Massimo è stato inserito nella International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame come Honor
Coach nel 2020.
ISHOF staff visits 2023 Honoree Sam Ramsamy in Durban, South Africa
Last month, ISHOF staff members Meg Keller-Marvin and Laurie Marchwinski visited 2023 ISHOF Honor Contributor, and World Aquatics first Vice President Sam Ramsamy, at his home in Durban, South Africa.
The girls were on a vacation in South Africa, sightseeing in Cape Town and Durban, spending a week on safari and visiting various other areas. For those who are interested, Meg and Laurie did the safari that ISHOF had been offering for bid/purchase for over five years now during the ISHOF Honoree Ceremony Silent Auction. The 6-day safari is located at the Zulu Nyala Game Lodge and Private Reserve in Hluhluwe, South Africa. It was a fabulous experience. Other ISHOF-er’s have also done the safari at Zulu Nyala, including Honorees Tom Gompf and Debbie Meyer, just in September. The Reserve is located three hours north and west of Durban.
If you have ever thought of taking a safari, we can highly recommend Zulu Nyala. It was the trip of a lifetime. Everything about it from A to Z was amazing. Each year at the Honoree Ceremony’s Silent Auction, we offer a two and four person safari to Zulu Nyala. It includes a six night stay, three meals a day, and two drives a day out in the bush (two hours each). If you want more information on the safari or Zulu Nyala, feel free to reach out Meg or Laurie or visit www.ZuluNyala.com and plan to bid next year!
After the safari, we went to Durban and met up with 2023, ISHOF Honoree Sam Ramsamy and his wife Helga, who took us out for a delicious Italian dinner in the Umhulunga Rocks area of Durban. We spent the evening chatting and laughing and learning more about Sam and his wife Helga. Sam and Helga lived in London for a number of years, among other places. One of the more interesting pieves of information, we learned about Helga, was that when she met Sam, she was a basketball player from East Germany. Once she and Sam married, she was able to leave the country.
Helga has travelled the world with Sam, whether it was with FINA, now World Aquatics, the Olympic Movement, fighting for the rights of athletes and people in South Africa. They have lived quite the busy and exciting life. We were fortunate to have spent the evening with them.
Calling for Nominations for Class of 2024 Honorees ~ Submit your nomination today!
It is that time of year again, when we ask for nominations from all disciplines and all countries. Each individual should have achieved tremendous success in the aquatic discipline(s) and/or made a significant impact on the sport of aquatics through their lifelong efforts. Nominations must be submitted along with supporting materials by December 15, 2023
Please submit your nomination via this link (below) and upload it to ishof.org
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbWjNJq9cc0r3Jj5RePDhMmc8ToA1HX9fyjqFnNupU2FIAjQ/viewform
Nominations can be made by anyone in any of the following seven categories:
SWIMMER (includes Olympic, Masters, Marathon, Open Water and Pioneer Swimmers)
DIVER (includes Olympic, Masters and Pioneer Divers)
WATER POLO PLAYER (includes Olympic, Masters and Pioneer Water Polo Players)
ARTISTIC SWIMMER (includes Olympic, Masters and Pioneer Synchronized Swimmers)
PARALYMPIAN (includes only athletes at Paralympic Games)
COACH (Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming, Masters, Open Water & Marathon Swimming)
CONTRIBUTOR (Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming, Masters, Open Water & Marathon Swimming)
Nomination Forms
Nomination forms can be found on the ISHOF website. You can complete and submit the form online, or print the form and return it via email (meg@ishof.org), fax (954.525.4031) or snail mail (Meg Keller-Marvin, International Swimming Hall of Fame, 1 Hall of Fame Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316)
Requirements for Nomination
Each nominee must meet the following minimum criteria to appear on the ballot: (see full list of criteria)
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 (FINA), divers, water polo players and artistic (synchronized) swimmers and paralympic swimmers. Masters and Marathon swimmers (Non-FINA) may be nominated without retirement after being inducted in their respective Hall of Fame and will be voted on by the same criteria as all other nominees.
Note that male and female candidates are grouped together, alphabetically. Male and female candidates should be voted upon as one combined group per category.
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.
The pioneer category was created to honor great achievements or advancements in aquatics that have been overlooked. These include special circumstances, such as interruptions caused by war or politics, barrier-breaking moments, societal changing events, etc.
All nominees must exemplify the highest athletic moral and ethical standards. Any past or current violations of the spirit and principles of Olympism, such as doping, DUI’s, domestic violence, drug abuse, accusations of sexual offense etc. have to be disclosed at the time of nomination. If and when ISHOF is presented with substantial or compelling evidence, a criminal charge, conviction or admission of guilt, the ISHOF board of Directors will consider all options within our means and resources that will enable us to ensure the integrity of our Hall of Fame.
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.
Consideration should be given to athletes failing to participate in Olympics because of non-Olympic years due to war (1916, 1940, 1944), boycotts (1980, 1984) injury, career interruptions and non-Olympic events such as the individual medley (I.M.) prior to 1964, etc.
Important: Please provide contact information (email, phone, or address) of the person you are nominating and a high-resolution photo (either a photo you took or a photo that you own the rights to).
For more information please email Meg Keller-Marvin at meg@ishof.org or call 570.594.4367
For an alphabetical list of current inductees, please visit the ISHOF website.
About ISHOF
The International Swimming Hall of Fame, Inc. (ISHOF), established in 1965, is a not-for-profit educational organization located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. It was first recognized by FINA, the International Olympic Committee’s recognized governing body for the aquatic sports, in 1968. ISHOF’s mission is to collaborate with aquatic organizations worldwide to preserve, educate and celebrate history, showcase events, share cultures, and increase participation in aquatic sports.
ISHOF 58th Honoree Induction Ceremony brings out all the Aquatic Superstars and breaks record for largest Honoree Induction Ceremony
This year ISHOF hosted the 58th annual Honoree Induction Ceremony on Saturday, September 30, 2023 and it was a year of firsts. It was the first year ISHOF hosted 13 Honorees from eight different countries from around the globe! It was the first year we inducted an Honoree from Zimbabwe: The lovely KIRSTY COVENTRY, who is currently serving her country as the Honorable Minister of Youth Affair, Sport, Art and Recreation. Kirsty was inducted by Kim Brackin, her coach at Auburn University, when she swam here in the states during her University years. She was also supported by her Head Auburn Coach, David Marsh, ISHOF Honoree, who is currently coaching at CAL Berkeley.
Another first was ISHOF allowed the incoming Honorees to choose anyone they wanted to induct them. Typically, it must be an Honoree who inducts you, but because of television, we decided to change it up this year. And that brings us to another first: ESPN+. Thanks to producer Peter Lasser, ISHOF was able to live stream the Honoree Induction Ceremonies on ESPN+. Lasser’s resume includes everything from the Olympic Games to NCAA’s to United Football League. We have to thank Peter for his amazing talent and hard work, we think it was a FABULOUS show! If you have not seen it yet, it is available ON DEMAND on ESPN+ for the next 60 days.
One thing that was NOT a first was the five-time Olympian, twelve-time Olympic medalist, DARA TORRES, as our emcee. And she was outstanding! Dara was live for two hours and I think she may have been the best she has ever been! This may have been her fourth time emceeing for us, but she was without a doubt spectacular! Watch it for yourself and see!
CESAR CIELO, Honor Swimmer from Brazil was inducted as the first Honoree of the evening. He gave a heartfelt speech, thanking his parents for always being there for him, which included taking him to all his practices and going to all his meets… even though his events were so short! The life of a sprinter! Even if he was the best in the world! Cesar was inducted by his very first Coach Mario Sobrinho, who he said was with him all the way. Cesar was also accompanied from Brazil by his wife Kelly and his son.
In the world of Synchronized, now Artistic Swimming, the name CHRIS CARVER is known throughout the world and her induction, some say was long overdue. She began coaching in the 1970’s in Northern California and she took her group of 10 and under girls and coached them all the way to the top of the Olympic podium and to the gold medal. Not many coaches can say they did that! And two of those girls, now women, came to her induction Saturday night, ISHOF Honorees themselves, BECKY DYROEN LANCER and JILL SUDDITH SMITH. Chris was inducted by her longtime friend, ISHOF Honoree and Coach, GAIL EMERY.
Like Artistic Swimming, Water Polo is one of the hardest sports to play. But unlike Artistic Swimming, Water Polo only recently became a sport for women and an Olympic sport for women in 2000. Chris Carver may have had the largest number of attendees there to support her, but HEATHER PETRI, easily had the loudest cheering section. Petri is a four-time Olympian, 2000-2012, and her teammates showed their love and support once she got on stage. Petri had friend and fellow teammate Nicolle Payne induct her on Saturday night. Payne was a member of the 2000 and 2004 Olympic team, playing goalkeeper along with Petri.
We’ve seen some the greatest of their sport, but then there is always the favorite. MISSY FRANKLIN couldn’t help but be the favorite with her beautiful smile that lights up a room, her kindness and willingness to stop and say hello, sign an autograph or take a photo. And then she gets in the pool and swims out of her mind. In London, she came away with five medals, four gold and one bronze and grabbed one more four years later in Rio. Missy will always be that girl with that smile. Always the favorite. Missy was inducted by her Dad, Richard Franklin.
STÉPHANE LECAT was inducted this year as our 2023 Honor Open Water Swimmer. Lecat currently leads the French Open Water Team for his country and has been quite successful at it. Of course he had quite the resume himself as a swimmer. Lecat had quite the contingency accompany him from France, about 15 in all. His friend, Pierre Guirard was with him to induct him into ISHOF.
Is he the greatest breaststroker of all-time? One could certainly make that argument! KOSUKE KITAJIMA won back to back double gold medals in 2004 and 2008 in the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke. Four gold medals. Kitajima was quiet and humble, but smiled and took photos with everyone. He had an interpreter for his speech, yet he seemed to speak English fairly well. 1984 Olympic gold medalist in the 100-meter breaststroke (and 400 medley relay), Steve Lundquist was on hand to induct Kitajima. Almost as impressive as his back to back golds, was that Kitajima flew all the way into Fort Lauderdale from Tokyo for 24 hours!! He arrived Saturday morning, and departed Sunday morning… Now that’s a feat!
BOB BOWMAN is considered one of the greatest coaches in swimming, ranking right up there with greats, George Haines and Doc Counsilman. Maybe better, who can say. The great thing for Bob’s induction was he was able to be inducted with not only his most successful swimmer, but also the swimmer he is closest with and considers family, Michael Phelps. So, the whole “family” in addition to a host of family and friends were in attendance to support Bowman’s induction into ISHOF. Bob currently coaches at Arizona State University where he has turned the program around to win its first Pac-12 Championship in the school history this past Spring.
MICHAEL PHELPS being inducted with his Coach BOB BOWMAN was great for both of them. This way they could induct one another, as no one could have possibly meant more in their careers. Bob talking about the blended family where Michael’s kids call him Grandpa was a touching note. And everyone got even more more excited when MP announced that Nicole will be adding their fourth boy to the Phelps family soon. In addition to Bob, Michael’s mother Debbie, and wife Nicole, came out to help induct him.
SAM RAMSAMY of Durban, South Africa was inducted on Saturday evening as this year’s Honor Contributor for ISHOF. Ramsamy is the First Vice President for World Aquatics and spent his life working toward the birth of a new South Africa, as well as fighting for the eradication of the color ban in sport, advocating for the selection of teams based on merit and not the color of one’s skin. Ramsamy was also friend to South African leader Nelson Mandela, where he was part of the organizing committee for his inauguration. We were honored to have Sam join us all the way from Durban with his busy schedule. Dale Neuburger, friend and Treasurer of World Aquatics was on hand to induct Mr. Sam Ramsamy.
TRISCHA ZORN has twice as many medals than any other Olympian or Paralympian that has ever competed. Let that sink in for a minute. Yes, that means twice as many as Michael Phelps. Trischa’s first Paralympic Games was in 1980 and she continued competing through 2004. An astounding 24 years! More than her medals though, Trischa is happier with what she has accomplished out of the pool, pushing boundaries and creating firsts for all Paralympians. After college, Trischa attended law school, and she now works for the VA, helping Veterans. And tonight she is the first Paralympian to ever be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Trischa was inducted by her coach, Richard Wolford, and joined by her proud husband, Brian Hudson.
All in all, the 58th annual induction was a great event. If you were not able to attend in person, remember, you can watch it on ESPN+ on demand through the beginning of December.
We want to give a big shout and thank you to all who worked so hard to make this event such a success: The Group from Team Horner, Maria de le Pena, Colby Coppola, Kim Guerrera and their Marketing crew, Edison and Nina Rumbos, Kim Kent, Diane McMillen, Casey McGovern and all the staff at Horner who worked on this. A special thank you to John Lohn who helped with a lot of the writing and proofing, and to Lee Gladstone and Jim Stump for the video work. It turned out fabulous. And especially to our brother, historian and curator, Bruce Wigo, you not only are an amazing historian, but if the sports networks ever see you live, we’re going to lose you for sure!! You did an absolutely fabulous job filling in when Dara was off stage. You definitely missed your calling! Thank you to the ISHOF Board of Directors, including Bill Kent, Mike Dooley, Steve Hasty, David Arluck…..some of you helped in different ways, and we appreciate what you did to help make this event come together. And to all of those who we may have forgotten, thank you for your help in making this weekend a success.
A very special thank you to two men who helped behind the scenes and made things happen and without whom I don’t think this induction would have been as successful as it was. Mike Unger and Alex Blavatnik. Alex, your generosity knows no bounds and I hope one day, you can become a member of the ISHOF Board again. And Mike, your friendship and dedication to the sport of swimming and all of aquatics is something that we all benefit from. Thank you.
Thank you to those of you who donated to the Silent Auction, without you, we would not have a silent auction! We had so many great items this year, thank to so many. Again thank you to everyone at Horner, Maria and her crew, Kim, Diane, Brandi West, Cullen Jones, Mary T., the Atlanta Braves, Matt Lois, and so many others that help make it a success every year!
And lastly, a very special thank you to the City of Fort Lauderdale, to Mayor Dean Trantalis and Commissioner Steve Glassman, our partners in aquatics, as well as Laura Voet, the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center Manager. Without the City’s support, we could not do what we do, or move on to the next exciting phase of ISHOF, which we are all looking forward to.
We bid you fairwell, until next Fall; Get your nominations in, so we can make sure your favorite swimmers and other aquatic athletes are on the ISHOF ballot for 2023/2024 and have a chance to be voted on for the ISHOF Class of 2024!
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.
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