“After the Applause” ~ March 2026 ~ Grant Hackett (AUS) Honor Swimmer 2014
This month, in our series, “After the Applause”, ISHOF speaks with long distance swimming icon, Grant Hackett. The bio below is from Grant’s 2014 Induction bio.
Grant Hackett’s specialty was the 1500-meter freestyle; he was unbeaten from 1997 to 2007, winning every major world competition. His four world championship gold medals in this event make him the only swimmer to have won a world title in one event four times. In total, he won ten world championship titles, and in 2001 at the FINA World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, he set a world record that lasted over ten years, finally broken by China’s Sun Yang, in Shanghai, at the 2011 Championships.
Hackett is best remembered for winning back-to-back gold medals in the 1500-meter freestyle at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and the 2004 Games in Athens, although his Olympic career spanned from 2000 to 2008, totaling, three gold, three silver, and one bronze medal in the freestyle events. During his career, he set a total of 15 world records, 5 long course and 10 short course.
This month, we proudly share a question and answer session we had with Hackett and his answers give a great insight into his life today after his competitive career. We hope you enjoy his honest insights….
You were inducted in 2014, tell us what you have been up to since then?
Since 2014, I’ve remarried and welcomed two more children, Edward (2020) and Olympia (2023), joining my 16-year-old twins. Professionally, I joined a small ASX-listed company and became CEO within 12 months. We’ve grown from a $50 million market cap to a multi-billion-dollar ASX 200 company. Finance and investing have always been a passion of mine, much like swimming. Today, I lead several hundred staff nationwide. It’s demanding, but I love building and leading at scale.
What do you do for work / as a profession?
I’m Group CEO of Generation Development Group. We manage close to $40 billion in assets across three core areas: tax-effective investment solutions, financial product research and ratings, and asset management. It’s a high-performance culture — not that different to elite sport.
Are you still involved in swimming in any capacity?
Yes. I was Chairman of the 2032 Olympic Legacy Committee and still support the sport when needed. I mentor athletes from time to time and enjoy helping them navigate performance, pressure and career decisions. As my work life eventually slows and my kids grow older, I’d happily contribute more to Australian/World swimming.
Do you still stay in touch with any swim mates from your competition days, if so, who?
Absolutely. I speak weekly with Michael Phelps — we’re very close and support each other, particularly around mental health. I also stay in touch with Michael Klim and Chris Fydler. Ironically, one of my biggest rivals (being the USA) is probably the one I’m closest to today.
If you have children, do your kids swim, if yes, tell us about them, if no, tell us about what they are involved in (sports, arts, etc.)
All my kids have swum at some stage. My eldest loves athletics — the 100m, 200m and especially the 400m. He must like pain!… We must share that characteristic. Edward, who’s six, loves swimming and is built like a mini version of me. Whether he pursues it will come down to mindset, not ability. I’m not a pushy dad — but I am an honest one. I don’t mind what they choose, as long as they commit and give it their best.
What is best memory of your days in swimming? (You can have more than one)
The camaraderie. The laughter. Traveling the world with teammates. Being in an environment where everyone — athletes, coaches, staff — was driven to be the best in the world. That collective pursuit of excellence is powerful. Winning is fun — but building greatness together is even better.
Seeing the changes that have occurred in swimming/aquatics now versus when you were competing, do you wish you could have competed now, or are you glad you competed when you did and why?
I have no complaints. But the 800m freestyle being added to the Olympics would have suited me — it was my strongest event for much of my career. More frequent World Championships would have created additional opportunities too – as it was every four years when I commenced my international career. That said, I’m grateful for my era. Every generation has its moment. On the male side I had – Thorpe, Phelps, Popov & Hoogenband – it was an amazing time to be in the sport.
Have you written a memoir/book about yourself, if yes, what’s the title and can our readers purchase it? If not, do you ever plan on writing a book?
I haven’t written one. If I ever do, it would be later in life. I’d want it to reflect the full journey — swimming, business and personal growth — told honestly. That’s the challenge. I’m naturally private, and telling the story properly would require complete transparency. If I write it, it won’t just be about swimming.
Any advice to all the future want-to-be Olympic swimmers out there?
People ask if it’s worth the sacrifice. I’d pay ten times the price to stand on the blocks at an Olympic Games again — especially a home Games — and compete for my country. There is nothing like it. If that’s your dream, chase it relentlessly. You’ll never regret giving everything to something that matters. I now get to live & die with those beautiful memories.
As an Olympian, National Team Member, you travelled all over the world. What was your favorite place you visited, or your favorite meet to attend?
Japan. The energy, the enthusiasm, the respect for athletes — it was incredible. I always seemed to swim fast there. I broke multiple world records and won many titles competing in Japan. The atmosphere, the crowds, the professionalism — it just clicked for me. When I read this question, Japan was the first place that came to mind.
Grant Hackett is also a member of the ISHOF Selection Committee, that votes on and helps choose those deserving individuals that are chosen for induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
To read Grant Hackett’s full biography, click here: https://ishof.org/honoree/honoree-grant-hacket/
László Cseh to be inducted an Honor Swimmer, one of four swimmers in Class of 2026 ~
László Cseh (HUN) is a five-time Olympian and six-time Olympic medalist who is so talented, he competed in every stroke and nearly every event in world aquatic competition. He has won 74 medals in international competition, 38 gold, 19 silver and 17 bronze, representing the Olympic Games, World and European Championships and one edition of the World Universiade Games. In addition to being a 33-time European Champion, he has set five world records, in the IM, his signature event.
His father, Laszlo Cseh, Sr., also represented Hungary at the Olympic Games in swimming, but backstroke was his specialty. He started swimming at any early age and was coached by György Turi and Zoltán Nemes. In 2020, he was nominated Number #1, by SwimSwam magazine, in the category of top ten male swimmers to never have won Olympic gold. Might have something to do with the fact that he swam in the same events and in the same Olympic Games as Michael Phelps.
Cseh was named Hungarian Swimmer of the Year, nine times: (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016). He was named Swimming World Magazine European Swimmer of the Year twice (2005, 2006). He was named Hungarian Athlete of the Year once, by the National Sports Associations (NSSZ) awards (2006); Cseh was awarded the Budapest Pro Urbe Award in 2006; Was named Hungarian Sportsman of the Year (2006, 2015), voted on by sports journalists; Hungarian University Athlete of the Year (2015); Hungarian Heritage Award (2015); European Swimmer of the Year (2015) by LEN; and was chosen as flagbearer for Hungary for the 2020/21 Tokyo Olympics;
Learn more about Laszlo Cseh and the other 12 outstanding Honorees who will be inducted this year at ISHOF’s 61st Honoree Induction Ceremony Buy your tickets NOW for ISHOF’s 61th Anniversary of the Honoree Induction Ceremony in Fort Lauderdale in conjunction with the World Aquatics High Dive World Cup
WHEN: Saturday, May 16, 2026
WHERE: Embassy Suites 17th Street, 1100 S. E. 17th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Tickets are NOW ON SALE ~ PURCHASE THEM HERE!
ISHOF Class of 2026
Nathan Adrian (USA) Honor Swimmer
Laszlo Cseh (HUN) Honor Swimmer
Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) Honor Swimmer
Ryan Lochte (USA) Honor Swimmer (Class of 2025)
Ferry Weertman (NED) Honor Open Water Swimmer
Tania Cagnotto (ITA) Honor Diver
Simone Fountain (AUS) Honor Water Polo Player
Heather Simon Carassco (USA) Honor Artistic Swimmer
Jane Figueiredo (ZIM) Honor Coach
Gregg Troy (USA) Honor Coach (Class of 2025)
Stephen A. “Sid” Cassidy (USA) Honor Contributor
Richard Burns (USA) Honor Masters Swimmer
Beatrice Hess (FRA) Honor Paralympic Swimmer
Make your Hotel reservations Now! The Host Hotel ~ Special Rate $219
Photo Courtesy: Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale
Embassy Suites 17th Street, 1100 S. E. 17th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Use QR Code to make your Hotel Reservations
Tickets for Friday Night’s Masters Induction, ISHOF Aquatic and Specialty Awards
Use QR Code to buy tickets to Friday night, May 15th Masters and Awards Night.
Click link below to see all award winners
‘Let your Flame Spark Hope’: IOC President and 2023 ISHOF Honoree Kirsty Coventry welcomes everyone to the Olympic Gamesin Italy ~ Full Speech
Kirsty Coventry delivers her speech during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic opening ceremony. (Photo Credit: IOC/John Huet)
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics opened Friday night. And like all Opening Ceremonies, they are productions to behold, and Friday nights was no different. But what was different was that the opening speech from the newly elected International Olympic Committee President was from one of our own this time, 2023 ISHOF Honor Swimmer, Kirsty Coventry.
It was the first time opening an Olympic Games for Coventry and in case you missed it, we wanted to bring it to you in its entirety because everyone in the world of swimming is so proud of Kirsty ~ the speech was uniting, uplifting and full of hope. Below you will find her speech in its entirety from Friday night, as she welcomed everyone to the Winter Olympics. Kirsty called on people to care for each other, celebrate the joys that sport can provide, and to live with the Olympic spirit in mind.
Bravo Kirsty!
My fellow Olympians,
Whether you are here in Milano, in Cortina, Predazzo or Livigno: welcome to your Games.
This is your moment.
I know what it feels like – that mix of excitement and nerves. Your whole life of hard work, of early mornings, long days, sacrifices, setbacks – it all comes down to this. I know that feeling, when you realise – this is it. You’ve made it.
So first, be proud. Be proud of how far you’ve come. And now, take it all in. Enjoy it. Enjoy every second.
Over the next two weeks, you’re going to give us something truly special.
You’ll show us what it means to be human. To dream. To overcome. To respect one another. To care for each other.
You’ll show us that strength isn’t just about winning – it’s about courage, empathy and heart.
You will not only make incredible memories. You will reach your Olympic dreams – and you will show the world how to live.
This is why we all love the Olympic Games. Because through you, we see the very best of ourselves. You remind us that we can be brave. That we can be kind. And that we can get back up, no matter how hard we fall.
And to everyone watching, here in Italy and around the world – thank you for joining this moment. Thank you for believing in the magic of the Olympic Games.
In Africa, where I’m from, we have a word: ubuntu. It means: I am because we are. That we can only rise by lifting others. That our strength comes from caring for each other.
No matter where you come from, we all know this spirit – it lives and breathes in every community.
I see this spirit most clearly at the Olympic Games. Where athletes from every corner of our world compete fiercely – but they also respect, support and inspire one another. They remind us that we are all connected, that our strength comes from how we treat each other, and that the best of humanity is found in courage, compassion and kindness.
So let these Games be a celebration of what unites us – of everything that makes us human.
This is the magic of the Olympic Games: inspiring us all to be the best that we can be – together.
Tonight, we are grateful to our gracious hosts, the Italian people, who set this spectacular Olympic stage with such passion and care.
When I was an athlete, this was always my most favourite moment. Watching that flame light up in the night – that’s when I knew the Games were real. Now it’s your turn, my fellow Olympians. Now it’s your moment. It’s your Games.
We cannot wait to watch you, to cheer for you, to be inspired by you. To see your courage. Your strength. To see the best of humanity shine before the world.
Let your flame spark hope, let it ignite joy and light the way for all of us.
Grazie mille. Thank you.
~Kirsty Coventry, President, IOC
Global High Diving World Cup Returns to Fort Lauderdale~ Set for same weekend as 2026 Honoree Ceremony
Global High Diving Season Set: World Cup Returns to Fort Lauderdale and Porto Flavia in 2026Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to host a triple slate of World Cups and two Junior Championships as the sport expands its global footprint. With the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup 2026 calendar set, the sport that demands clean entries will see the series return to the United States in May, followed by Italy in July.World Aquatics sets the High Diving World Cup calendar for 2026 with series stops in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA) and Porto Flavia in Iglesias, Sardinia (ITA). In addition to welcoming back the sport’s premier annual competition, Fort Lauderdale will also host the second edition of the World Aquatics High Diving Junior Championships in 2026, followed again by the junior event in 2028.2026 High Diving Calendar 15–17 May – World Aquatics High Diving World Cup, Fort Lauderdale (USA)15–17 May – World Aquatics High Diving Junior Championships, Fort Lauderdale (USA)11–12 July – World Aquatics High Diving World Cup, Porto Flavia (ITA) Multi-Year Hosting Agreements Strengthen Long-Term StabilityMost recently, World Aquatics reached an agreement with organisers in Fort Lauderdale to hold three consecutive High Diving World Cup events from 2026 to 2028, along with the High Diving Junior Championships in 2026 and 2028. Fort Lauderdale, home to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, has long been a cornerstone of elite aquatic sports. Recently, the city completed a $47 million renovation of the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, which now features one of the world’s highest permanent high diving platforms. In 2023, the venue hosted the World Aquatics High Diving World Cup for the first time, solidifying its role as a key location for the sport’s growth. When the World Cup returns to the United States next season, it will do so with a compelling new storyline: the competition venue is home to defending world champion and reigning World Cup winner, James Lichtenstein, where he trains year-round. The 31-year-old American secured both his world title and World Cup crown in 2025 with clutch, come-from-behind final dives utilising his signature high-difficulty back quint, marking a breakthrough moment for high diving in the United States. “Hosting the World Cup and the Junior Championships in Fort Lauderdale is a huge moment for high diving in the United States,” said Lichtenstein. “This community helped shape my career, and to see the sport return here with this level of visibility means a lot. This tower is the best place in the world to train and compete, and I’m excited that young athletes will get to experience it. This is something I’m genuinely looking forward to.” USA Diving President Lee Michaud also proudly welcomed the announcement of Fort Lauderdale as host. “Fort Lauderdale has truly become a home for high diving, and we are excited to welcome the world back in 2026,” said Michaud. “The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center provides an environment where athletes can perform at their best, enhanced by the vibrant energy of the city and its coastline. We look forward to supporting another successful World Cup and are eager to see the next generation of young athletes take the stage during the Junior Championships.” Competition Format and Participation: Athletes will compete from the 27m (men) and 20m (women) platforms in Fort Lauderdale over a four-dive, two-day competition period.Emerging Elite: Fort Lauderdale to Host Junior Championships in 2026 and 2028: Following the inaugural World Aquatics High Diving Junior Championships, held in Brasilia (BRA) in 2024, the youth categories will return with even greater momentum. All junior athletes (age groups 15-16 and 17-19) will compete from the 15m tower. Overseeing the junior high diving development programme is 2013 world champion and current World Aquatics High Diving Chair Orlando Duque, one of the sport’s most respected figures. “Working with these young high divers has been incredibly inspiring,” said Duque. “The sport resonates naturally with younger athletes, and we’re seeing a level of skill and confidence that continues to rise each season. The senior athletes show what is possible today, while the juniors are already pushing toward what will be possible in the future from 27m and 20m.”“Today’s announcement is an important step forward for the sport,” added Duque. “The 2026 World Cup season offers a clear pathway toward the World Aquatics Championships – Budapest 2027, while also giving junior athletes more opportunities to learn from their heroes. Having certainty that Fort Lauderdale will host in both 2026 and 2028 is a major advantage as we continue building toward our long-term objectives — including the ambition of seeing high diving on the programme at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.”High Diving History at World Aquatics: Since its debut at the 2013 World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona, high diving has continued to grow in both scale and profile. The sport returned to the global championship stage for the seventh time at the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025.Strong Storytelling and Media Opportunities in High Diving | “Expanding Opportunities at Every Level”“High diving is continuing to grow as a global sport, and the announcements for the 2026 season showcase our commitment to expanding opportunities for athletes at all levels,” said World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam. “By strengthening the World Cup circuit and establishing recurring Junior Championships, we are creating a clear development pathway from youth to elite competition.“Fort Lauderdale and Porto Flavia each offer world-class, cost-effective facilities, including the only two permanent high diving towers in the world. This allows us to maximise the use of existing infrastructure while delivering competitions of the highest standard.“These events also enhance the sport’s global visibility, providing athletes and federations with strong storytelling and media opportunities in key markets,” the World Aquatics president added. “Most importantly, the stability of a multi-year calendar creates a stronger platform for partners and broadcasters, positioning high diving as a property with significant long-term value.”
ISHOF’s 61st Annual Honoree Ceremony ~ Buy your tickets now and make your hotel reservations NOW!
Photo courtesy Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale
The International Swimming Hall of Fame Board of Directors has decided to move it’s Annual Honoree Induction Ceremony back to the month of May this year. For the last six or seven years, ISHOF has hosted its Honoree Ceremonies in the Fall, September or October, but the Board decided this year to move it back to May, where it was previously held for many years, in conjunction with the FINA Grand Prix Diving Meet.
61st Annual ISHOF Honoree Ceremony Weekend
The weekend is a two-night event.
Friday, May 15, 2026
ISHOF Aquatic & Specialty Awards and Masters Honoree Ceremony
Location: Embassy Suites, 1100 S.E. 17th Street, FLL, 954.527.2700
6:00-7:00pm Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
7:00-9:00pm ISHOF Aquatic & Specialty Awards & Masters Ceremony
Saturday, May 16, 2026
61st Annual ISHOF Honoree Ceremony – Induction of Class of 2026
Location: War Memorial Auditorium, 800 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
6:00-7:00pm Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
7:00-9:00pm 61st Annual ISHOF Honoree Induction Ceremony
The schedule for both nights will be cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres, followed by the evening’s ceremony, theater style 7:00-9:00 pm (approx.).
TICKETS:
INDUCTIONTICKETS – Saturday, Honoree Ceremony ($150.00)
AWARDSMASTERSTICKETS – Friday, Awards/Masters Induction ($100.00)
HOST HOTEL:
Embassy Suites 17th St, 1100 S.E. 17th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316, Phone: 954.527.2700 / Hotel Nightly Rate: $219.
Hotel Link:– Use or Share this link to make hotel reservations:
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/fllsoes-ish-10f70a89-8b00-47df-8135-fb36ee4694dd
We suggest you make your reservations as soon as possible, Sunday night is already sold out.
Saturday, May 16, 2025
ISHOF Class of 2026
Swimmers:
Nathan Adrian (USA)
László Cseh (HUN)
Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED)
Diver: Tania Cagnotto (ITA)
Artistic Swimming: Heather Simmons-Carrasco (USA)
Water Polo: Simone Fountain (AUS)
Open Water Swimmer: Ferry Weertman (NED)
Coach: Jane Figueiredo (ZIM)
Contributor: Stephen A. “Sid” Cassidy (USA)
Masters Swimmer: Richard Burns (USA)
Paralympian: Beatrice Hess (FRA)
**Honorees from the Class of 2025 (who were not able to attend in Singapore-will be in Fort Lauderdale, May, 2026 for official Induction)
Honor Swimmers:
Ryan Lochte (USA)
Honor Coach:
Gregg Troy (USA)
Friday, May 15, 2026
Masters (MISHOF) Class of 2026
Masters Swimmers:
Kirsten Cameron (NZL)
Ellen Reynolds (USA)
Eiji Nomura (JPN)
Toshio Tajima (JPN)
Masters Water Polo Player:
Georgy “Mishi” Mshvenieradze (RUS)
**In addition, we will be inducting two honorees from last year’s class that were unable to attend, they are:
Masters Swimmer:
Hiroshi Matsumoto (JPN)
Masters Synchronized/Artistic Swimmer:
Joyce Corner* (CAN)
ISHOF Aquatic Awards presented by AquaCal
David Szanto (HUN) ~ Competitive Swimming
Drew Johansen (USA) ~ Diving
Mary Black (GBR) ~ Artistic/Synchronized Swimming
Leanne Barnes (AUS) ~ Water Polo
The New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance (USA) ~ Water Safety
ISHOF Specialty Awards
Katie Ledecky, “Just Add Water” (USA) co-recipient, 2026 Buck Dawson Author’s Award
Micki King and Elaine K. Howley, “Break of A Lifetime” (USA) co-recipients, Buck Dawson Author’s Award
Ted Robinson (USA) The Al Schoenfield Media Award
The Pool Nation Podcast (USA) The Every Child A Swimmer Award
Beth Scalone (USA) The John K. Williams Adapted Aquatics Award
ISHOF Announces 2026 Specialty Awards
The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the ISHOF Specialty Awards. The ISHOF Specialty Awards are presented annually to individuals for outstanding contributions to aquatics. This year’s awards will be presented on Friday evening, May 15, 2026 in conjunction with the ISHOF Aquatic Awards, presented by AquaCal and MISHOF (Masters) Honoree Induction Ceremonies in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. Ticket and Hotel information is provided below.
This year’s 2026 ISHOF Specialty Award Recipients:
Pool Nation Podcast (USA) – 2026 Every Child A Swimmer Award
Katie Ledecky (USA) “Just Add Water ~ My Swimming Life” – co-recipient of the 2026 Buck Dawson Author’s Award
Micki King (USA) and Elaine K. Howley (USA) “Break of A Lifetime” – co-recipients of the 2026 Buck Dawson Author’s Award
Beth Scalone (USA) – 2026 John K. Williams, Jr. International Adapted Aquatics Award
Ted Robinson (USA) – 2026 Al Schoenfield Media Award
~The 2026 Every Child A Swimmer Award~
Pool Nation Podcast:
The Pool Nation Podcast Team are true innovators and unifiers within the pool and spa industry and far beyond using their platform to bring people together, elevate voices, and spark meaningful change. Through authentic conversations and bold industry leadership, they have created a space where collaboration thrives and purpose leads. Their selfless commitment to raising awareness around drowning prevention and water safety is both powerful and deeply impactful, extending far beyond the microphone and into communities across the country. Leading with heart, the Pool Nation Podcast team is driven by a genuine desire to help others, give back, and use their influence to protect lives. By amplifying the mission of Every Child a Swimmer, they have helped give a voice to lifesaving work and inspired action throughout the industry. Their passion, generosity, and unwavering sense of purpose continue to make the pool industry safer, stronger, and more united.
About G. Harold Martin: Back in 1908, G. Harold Martin almost drowned in the Ohio River. Over the next two decades he nearly 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 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. It has since been taken over by ISHOF and become the spiritual mission.
~The 2026 Buck Dawson Author’s Award~
Katie Ledecky ~ co-recipient of the 2026 Buck Dawson Author’s AwardJust Add Water charts Ledecky’s life in swimming. It details her start in Bethesda, Maryland, where she played sharks and minnows and first discovered the joy of the pool; her early foray into the Olympics at the tender age of fifteen where, as the youngest member of the American team, she stunned everyone by winning her first gold medal; her time balancing competition and her education at Stanford University; how she developed a champion’s mindset that has allowed her to persevere through so many meets, even under intense pressure; and how she has maintained her dominance in a sport where success depends on milliseconds. You learn how every element of her life—from the support of her family to the tutelage of her coaches, from her childhood spent in summer league swimming to the bright lights of Olympic pools in London, Rio, and Tokyo—set her up to become the champion she is today.
Micki King and Elaine K. Howley ~ co-recipients 2026 Buck Dawson Author’s Award
In 1968, 24-year-old Maxine “Micki” King stood atop diving’s biggest stage poised to claim the gold medal in the women’s 3-meter event. She’d led for the entirety of the competition, but on the 9th of 10 dives, disaster struck and she finished in 4th place.
But destiny – and diving – was far from done with King, who went on to claim that gold in the 1972 Munich Games while pioneering a new leadership model for women in sports, the military, and public life.
In this inspiring recitation of her journey from suburban Michigan to the White House and beyond, King shares her tale of breaking boundaries and supporting athletes’ rights across the full spectrum of Olympic sports.
While King’s story is all because of diving, it isn’t just about diving; it’s about persistence, principle, and paving the way for others to achieve their fullest potential.
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.
~The 2026 John K. Williams, Jr. Adapted Aquatics Award~
Beth Scalone (USA) — 2026 John K. Williams, Jr. Adapted Aquatics Award
Beth is a licensed physical therapist specializing in orthopedic and aquatic therapy. As the owner of North County Water & Sports Therapy Center it is her goal to provide quality one on one care to a variety of patients.
Beth is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and private practice owner with over 30 years of experience in aquatic and orthopedic physical therapy.She has a passion for problem solving and guiding her patients and clients back to doing the things they love. She has had the good fortune to share her experience with other aquatic therapists around the world. Beth finds that “treating and teaching keeps her curious, expands her knowledge and energizes her soul”.
~The 2026 Al Schoenfield Media Award~
Ted Robinson (USA) — 2026 Al Schoenfield Media Award
Ted Robinson is a three-time Emmy award-winning sports broadcaster with a 45-year career spanning television and radio across global, professional and collegiate sports.
He has provided commentary on the last 15 Olympic Games, more than 60 professional Grand Slam tennis championships and as a lead play-by-play announcer for teams in the NFL, MLB and NBA.
His Olympic career has been highlighted by calling the diving competition in the last 6 Summer Games as well as the last 6 US Olympic Diving Trials with partner Cynthia Potter. In the first Summer Games he covered, Ted received a late assignment to cover Synchronized Swimming with partner Tracie Ruiz. In 2003, NBC/USA Swimming opened the door to aquatics with the chance to call the inaugural Duel in the Pool. Ted, partnered with Rowdy Gaines, went on to call the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai, the 2010 US National Championships, 2 Pan Pacific Championships and multiple years of USA Swimming Pro events, including Katie Ledecky’s first professional meet (Charlotte 2012.)
About Al Schoenfield: He 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.
About ISHOF
The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) museum opened its doors to the public in December of 1968 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That same year, the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) – the governing body for Olympic aquatic sports – designated the ISHOF museum as the “Official Repository for Aquatic History”. Today, ISHOF’s vision is to be the global focal point for recording and sharing the history of aquatics, promoting swimming as an essential life-skill, and developing educational programs and events related to water sports.
For ISHOF Aquatic & Specialty Awards and Masters Induction Ceremony (Friday, May 15, 2026) Buy Tickets Here: AWARDSMASTERSTICKETS
For Saturday 61st Annual Honoree Induction,(Saturday, May 16, 2026) Buy Tickets Here: INDUCTIONTICKETS
HOST HOTEL:Embassy Suites 17 th St, 1100 S.E. 17 th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316,Phone: 954.527.2700 / Hotel Nightly Rate: $219.Hotel Link:– Use this link to make hotel reservations:
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/fllsoes-ish-10f70a89-8b00- 47df-8135-fb36ee4694dd/
After the Applause ~ February 2026 ~Terry Schroeder (USA) Water Polo
Terry Schroeder (USA) Honor Water Polo Player, Class of 2002
Terry Schoeder was inducted into ISHOF as an Honor Water Polo Player in 2002 for his stellar career in the sport. Very rarely will you find an Olympic athlete in one of the roughest Olympic sports who has the easy demeanor and control of emotions as Terry Schorder. Selected captain of three Olympic water polo teams, at 6 feet 3 inches, 210 pounds, he became one of the best players in Olympic history to play the two-meter position, the quarterback of the offense. For over 15 years and four Olympic Games, Schroeder was the USA team leader and one of the most revered players in international competition.
He became USA Water Polo’s only four-time Olympian. His 1980 team was dismissed due to the Olympic boycott, so he refocused and became the captain of both the 1984 and 1988 teams where Team USA won silver medals in Los Angeles and Seoul. He retired in 1988 but made a comeback in 1990 where he was elected team captain for a third time and placed fourth in Barcelona in 1992. In 2008, Schroeder coached Team USA Water Polo to a silver medal. Terry is one of a few individuals to have won medals both playing and coaching water polo.
In 1984, he received the distinct honor of being selected to pose nude as a model for sculptor Robert Graham. The result was a nine-foot bronze statue that stood at the entrance to the LA Coliseum which served as the 1984 Olympic Stadium. The headless sculpture was to be representative of all Olympic athletes. It still stands today and will now welcome athletes and visitors at the LA28 Games.
Terry was the Head Coach of Water Polo at Pepperdine University, his alma mater, for 39 years, a role he began in 1986. He retired, two years ago but stays involved as senior advisor, helping as needed.
That same year, 1986, Schroeder graduated Cum Laude as a Doctor of Chiropractic, a third-generation family tradition. Terry’s grandfather, father, brother, sister, brother-in-law, wife, cousins and other relatives totaling 59 family members are all chiropractors.
Terry and his beautiful wife Lori, live in Westlake Village, California and have two grown daughters. Terry keeps in touch with local Olympians in the Los Angeles area, and hopes to volunteer with LA28 at some point, if they need his help and expertise.
ISHOF announces Masters Hall of Fame Class of 2026
ISHOF is proud to announce the Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame (MISHOF) Class of Honorees for 2026. The Class of 2026 includes four Masters Swimmers, and one Masters Water Polo Player. We will also be inducting one Masters Swimmer and one Masters Artistic Swimmer from last year who were unable to attend.
MISHOF’s Class of Honorees includes swimmers, Ellen Reynolds (USA), Kirsten Cameron (NZL), Eiji Nomura (JPN), Toshio Tajima (JPN) and Hiroshi Matsumoto (JPN), Artistic Swimmer, Joyce Corner* (CAN), and Water Polo Player, Georgy “Mishi” Mshvenieradze. “It’s quite a remarkable group”, said Bruce Wigo, ISHOF Historian, and former CEO; “We look forward to welcoming them all to Fort Lauderdale this May and celebrating them all during our Honoree weekend!”
Kirsten CAMERON (NZE) Masters Swimmer
Kirsten is still relatively new to Masters Swimming. She did not even begin swimming competitively until she was 30 years old. She joined a Masters Club in Wellington, New Zealand, and that was the beginning of her swimming career. Yet, at 52, she already has 24 Masters World Records and 1033 World Points. A New Zealander, who began competing in the 30-34 age group, she is currently swimming in the 50-54 age group.
Kirsten left New Zealand and is currently living and swimming in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Prior to that, she was in Great Britain, in the area of Leeds initially, then Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and has also swum for a Melbourne swim club. She enjoys open water swimming and was part of a group of masters swimmers who attempted to break the English Channel relay record. She has also competed on the Open Water World Cup Circuit. Since COVID saw her return to open water, most recently she has focused on longer events which have included completing Ulswater, Lake Zurich, Capri-Napoli and the challenging Vidosternsimmit and is planning to swim Lake Malawi.
She has been in the Top Ten 18 times, and in world rankings, she has a total of 70 Number 1, 11 Number 2, and 9 Number 3 in the freestyle events. Kirsten has attended three FINA World Championships, Stanford, 2006, Perth, 2008, and Gothenburg, 2010, swimming all freestyle events while winning all gold, 10 medals in total, breaking world records while doing it.
Eiji NOMURA (JPN) Masters Swimmer
Eiji Nomura of Japan began his Masters career swimming in the 30-34 age group. During his Masters career, he has competed in five age groups ranging from the 30-34 through the 50-54 age group. He has broken 22 FINA Masters World Records in the butterfly, freestyle, and I.M. events. He has 889 points and has been in the Top Ten 18 times.
In World Rankings, he has a combined total, long and short course, of 61 – Number 1, 21 – Number 2 and 18- 3 Number 3 in the butterfly, freestyle and I.M.
Nomura also holds many Japanese records, including the fastest 25m butterfly (Masters SC 40-44 men), 100m butterfly (Masters LC 40-44 men), 200m freestyle (Masters LC 45-49 men), 50m freestyle (Masters SC 45-49).
He has not competed in any FINA Masters World Championships, accumulating all of his 889 world points by breaking world records and setting world rankings.
Ellen REYNOLDS (USA) Masters Swimmer
Ellen Reynolds, new to the women’s 60-64 age group in 2024, has set an unprecedented 26 Masters World records this year between long course and short course meters, solidifying her legacy as an extraordinary Masters swimmer. She’s also been a part of five world-record-setting relays as a member of Team Redbird Masters.
Her records span a remarkable range, from the shortest sprints, like the 50 backstroke and fly, to the grueling 1500-meter freestyle, showcasing her versatility. Despite her impressive achievements, Ellen remains humble and focused on enjoying the sport.
One of the more interesting stats is that Ellen holds a world record in every event except the 50 free, 50 breast, 100 breast, and 200 fly. And she didn’t just break these world records—she demolished them by large margins.
Just as impressive, Ellen has balanced a demanding career as a pediatric surgeon with her swimming for many years, but has just retired in September after 25 years in the field. Her work ethic as a surgeon often influenced her approach to swimming. This year, Ellen isn’t just grateful for her fast swimming. She said, “I’d like to say thank you to all of the volunteers running the swim meets. I couldn’t have done it without them!”
Toshio TAJIMA (JPN) Masters Swimmer
Toshio Tajima is a Japanese Masters swimmer who competes in the breaststroke and butterfly events. He has broken a total of 21 world records; Some of his records were broken up to 14 years ago and seven of them are still standing.
He has competed in seven different age groups beginning in the 60-64 age group through 90-94 and he has been in the Top Ten 32 times. He has been in the world rankings since 1985 with a combined total of 45 – Number 1, 22 – Number 2 and 11 Number 3 in the butterfly and breaststroke events.
Tajima competed in six FINA Masters World Championships: 1986, Tokyo; 1988, Brisbane; 1990, Rio; 1998, Casablanca; 2000, Munich; and 2002 Christchurch, winning 2 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals.
Mr. Tajima stopped competing in 2019, where he was swimming in the 90-94 age group.
Georgy “Mishi” MSHVENIERADZE (RUS) Masters Water Polo Player
Georgy Kahaber Mshvenieradze is a 65-year old Soviet water polo player, born in Tbilisi, the Capital of Georgia. His father, Peter, was the captain of the USSR water polo polo team throughout the 1950’s and appeared in three Olympic Games. “Mishi”, as he is known by his friends, and his brother Nugzar followed their father into the sport. In the 1980’s, Mishi was the top 2-meter offensive player in the world. He won the team gold medal in the 1980 Olympic Games and bronze in the 1988 Olympic Games.
Mishi was known for his strength on the 2-meter line, his ability to score under heavy contact, his positional and tactical intelligence and his natural leadership ~ a combination that defined the center forward role in the 1980’s and remains a benchmark for modern coaches and players.
Mishi has been active in Masters water polo since 2000, and his team has won seven gold medals and one silver in FINA/World Aquatics World Masters Championships competition.
He and his team, Moscu 04 also won gold in 2009 at the Copa de Espana Masters event in the 40+ age group, competing in Tenerife, Spain. Mishi has competed for three different clubs, while competing in Masters: WP Moscu04, Dynamo Masters, and Europa Sporting Roma.
Joyce CORNER (CAN) 2025 Masters Synchronized Swimmer
Canadian, Joyce Corner attended her first FINA World Championships in 1992 in Indianapolis, where she and her teammates came away with a bronze medal in the trio 65+ event. Four years later, Corner walked away with her first World title in the duet. She continued attending Masters World Championships, mostly bringing home gold medals. In all, she won ten World Championship gold, five silver, and one bronze.
In the mid-2000’s Corner formed a new club, the New Wave Synchro Masters, where she coached and competed as a member in her last two appearances at Worlds in 2004 and 2008.
Joyce has been involved in just about all areas of synchronized swimming. She was on the Canadian Synchronized Swimming Committee for countless years and represented Canada in Masters FINA meets when present. She was the Canadian representative to the FINA Masters Synchronized Swimming Committee which helped develop the requirements when FINA transitioned from a figure competition to a technical program.
She was a FINA-rated “A” international judge, and she has judged Pan American Games, World Aquatics Championships, the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988, as well as many other events in Canada and around the world.
Joyce Corner will always be remembered for all her many contributions to Masters Synchronized Swimming as an athlete, judge, official, administrator, coach, lecturer, and much, much more.
Hiroshi MATSUMOTO (JPN) 2025 Masters Swimmer
Hiroshi Matsumoto, born in 1936, began swimming in high school. There were no pools where he lived, just a pond with hundreds of frogs. And a few snakes.
When he was in his early 20s, he moved to the area in Japan where Mt. Fuji is, to take a job, as a lumberjack. There was a 50-meter pool near his office. For nine years, he swam there almost every day in the summer.
At 27 years old, he married his wife, Katsuko. At the time, she could not swim at all. But later she started swimming with her husband, and eventually she was part of a world record setting mixed relay with Matsumoto.
In his late 50’s, Matsumoto joined Masters Swimming. When he reached his 60’s, he started breaking national records, even though he was diagnosed with cancer, and needed surgery in his mid-60s. In his 70’s, he started breaking world records.
Matsumoto competes mainly in the butterfly and the freestyle events. His favorite stroke is the butterfly, but at 84, he had a terrible accident and tore up his shoulder; the doctors said he might not swim again. He is swimming again and breaking records, but only in the freestyle events.
Matsumoto has broken over 100 national records and 28 world records. He has been in the Top Ten for 27 years and has accumulated 945 world points.
He has attended four FINA/World Aquatic World Championships, winning two gold and three silver: 2002: gold (50m butterfly 65-69); 2006: silver (50m butterfly 70-74); 2008: gold (50m butterfly 70-74); 2023: silver (50m free, 100 free 85-89).
Matsumoto still keeps hope that he is going to swim butterfly again someday.
#ISHOF #Masters
Mike Unger Selected as Ben Franklin Award Recipient
Shared from CSCAA
by Michael Tubb
January 13, 2025 — The College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) is proud to announce that Mike Unger, a longtime leader in the swimming community whose work has shaped elite competition, event management, and the global presentation of the sport, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 CSCAA Ben Franklin Award.
Unger, a standout student-athlete, swam and graduated from the University of Wisconsin. He spent three seasons as an assistant swim coach for the Badgers from 1989–92.
The Ben Franklin Award honors pioneering individuals or organizations whose leadership, innovation, and service advance the integrity of the student-athlete experience. Contributions may be technical, social, economic, or demonstrated through sustained leadership that enhances collegiate athletics and the broader sport ecosystem.
“Mike Unger’s career reflects a lifetime of dedicated service to swimming,” said CSCAA Executive Director Samantha Barany. “His vision, leadership, and behind-the-scenes commitment to excellence, across multiple organizations and on the global stage, have elevated competitive swimming and expanded opportunities for athletes, coaches, and administrators alike. He truly embodies the spirit of the Ben Franklin Award.”
Unger’s influence on the sport spans over three decades. During more than 28 years with USA Swimming, he served in numerous senior leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer, Assistant Executive Director, National Events Director, Marketing Director, and National Team Coordinator.
In those roles, Unger oversaw the planning and execution of many of the sport’s most significant events, including the U.S. Olympic Swimming Team Trials, the Golden Goggle Awards, the Duel in the Pool, and the Pan Pacific Championships. His work helped elevate both the athlete and fan experience while setting new standards for event presentation and organizational excellence. He also played an important role in USA Swimming’s international relations, strengthening partnerships across the global swimming community.
“Mike Unger has been the backbone of American swimming for the past thirty years. If something important happens in our sport, he has invariably played a role. He is a great leader and innovator, and he cares deeply about our sport, its coaches, and its athletes,” said Dale Neuburger, an internationally respected sports executive, current Treasurer for World Aquatics and former CSCAA Executive Director (1989-1991).
Since 1996, Unger has been deeply involved in swimming’s television and broadcast presence, working closely with NBC Sports and the U.S. Olympic broadcast network. He contributed to television production for seven Olympic Games: Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, Beijing, London, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo, helping bring the sport to millions of viewers worldwide. His work earned three Emmy Awards as part of NBC’s Olympic production teams.
Since 2021, Unger has continued his service to the international sport community as a Senior Advisor with World Aquatics (formerly FINA), where he supports strategic competition initiatives and long-term sport development on a global scale.
“This award recognizes individuals whose leadership produces lasting benefits for our entire sport,” Barany added. “Mike’s career is defined by quiet leadership, thoughtful innovation, and an unwavering commitment to serving swimming at every level.”
Unger’s contributions have also been recognized broadly across the sport. In 2023, he received the USA Swimming Award, the organization’s highest honor for behind-the-scenes service, and was also named a recipient of an International Swimming Hall of Fame Aquatic Award, further underscoring his enduring impact on the swimming community.
CSCAA members can register for the Annual Meetings and Awards Celebration at here. All registrations include a ticket to the Awards Ceremony at Joe’s Live! Questions can be directed to: all@cscaa.org.
Previous Recipients
2025 – Sid Cassidy, North Carolina State University2024 – Kyle Sockwell, Swimming Twitter2023 – John Urbanchek, University of Michigan2022 – Sage Hopkins, San Jose State University2021 – Tim Welsh, University of Notre Dame2019 – John Benedick, Massachusetts Institute of Technology2018 – Kevin Polansky, Announcer & Supporter2017 – Michael Sutton, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges2016 – Brad Erickson, South Dakota State University2015 – Robert Clauson, Innovator2014 – Bill Boomer, University of Rochester2013 – Whit Babcock, Virginia Polytechnic Institute2012 – Brent Rutemiller, Swimming World Publisher2011 – David Roach, Fordham University2010 – Ernie Maglischo, Author/Innovator2009 – Susan Petersen Lubow, Springfield College2008 – Dr. Myles Brand, NCAA President
About the CSCAA
Founded in 1922, the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) – the first organization of college coaches in America – is a professional organization of college swimming and diving coaches dedicated to serving and providing leadership for the advancement of the sport of swimming & diving at the collegiate level.
ISHOF to Host 61st Annual Honoree Induction Ceremonies, Saturday, May 16, 2026 ~ back in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
ISHOF is thrilled to announce that it will be hosting its 61st Annual Honoree Induction Ceremony back in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) is proud to announce its truly international Class of 2026, which will induct 11 Honorees from seven countries.
This year’s ISHOF Honorees include: three HONOR SWIMMERS: Nathan Adrian (USA), László Cseh (HUN), and Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED); one OPEN WATER SWIMMER: Ferry Weertman (NED); one DIVER: Tania Cagnotto (ITA); one WATER POLO PLAYER: Simone Fountain (AUS); one ARTISTIC SWIMMER: Heather Simmons-Carrasco (USA); one MASTERS SWIMMER: Richard Burns (USA); one COACH: Jane Figueiredo (ZIM); one CONTRIBUTOR: Stephen A. “Sid” Cassidy (USA); and one PARALYMPIAN: Beatrice Hess (FRA);
HONOR SWIMMERS:
Nathan Adrian (USA) is a three-time Olympian, and five-time Olympic gold medalist who specializes in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle events. He has won thirty-two medals in major international competitions, twenty gold, seven silver, and five bronze in such competitions as the Olympic Games, the FINA World Championships, and the Pan Pac Championships. A graduate of Cal Berkeley, Adrian is an 11-time individual NCAA Champion, competing for the Bears and was part of the 2010 men’s team championship.
László Cseh (HUN) is a five-time Olympian and six-time Olympic medalist who is so talented, he competed in every stroke and nearly every event in world aquatic competition. He has won 74 medals in international competition, 38 gold, 19 silver and 17 bronze, representing Olympic Games, World and European Championships and one edition of the World Universiade Games. In addition to being a 33-time European Champion, he has set five world records, in the IM, his signature event.
Ranomi Kromowidjojo (NED) is a triple Olympic champion, winning the gold medal in the 4 x 100-freestyle relay at the 2008 Olympic Games, and then in London, in 2012, she took gold in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle, as well as a silver in the 400 free relay event. She set most of her world records primarily in the short course (SCM) 50m freestyle and on various Dutch relays, though she still ranks amongst the fastest ever. She has won an astounding 178 FINA/World Aquatics medals in international competition during her career, 70 gold, 62 silver and 46 bronze.
HONOR OPEN WATER SWIMMER:
Ferry Weertman (NED) is a two-time Olympian, winning the gold medal in the 10km open water swimming event at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. He claimed his World title in the 10k FINA World Championships in Budapest (Lake Balaton), Hungary in 2017, after taking silver in 2015 in Kazan. Weertman became the first man to win both the Olympic and World titles in Open Water Swimming. He is a two-time FINA Open Water Swimmer of the Year (2016 & 2018).
HONOR DIVER:
Tania Cagnotto (ITA) competed in five Olympic Games, eight World Championships, eight World Cups, 31 World Series and 54 FINA Diving Grand Prix’s. Her performance was progressive, getting better each year beginning in 1999, gaining results in the European Junior Championships, and reaching the top in 2016 at the Rio Olympic Games with a silver and a bronze medal in the springboard events. Her 3-meter synchronized team was the best in Europe with eight synchro 3-meter gold medals together with teammate Francesca Dallapè and second in the world only to the Chinese teams.
HONOR WATER POLO PLAYER:
Simone Fountain (AUS) was lucky to prolong her career long enough to participate in the inaugural women’s Olympic Games for water polo in Sydney, winning gold at a time when she was regarded as one of the pre-eminent center forwards of her era. Her assist to Yvette Higgins in Sydney 2000 to score the winning goal 1.3 seconds from time against the United States of America (4-3) is legendary in Australian sport. It was the women’s first Olympic tournament.
HONOR ARTISTIC SWIMMER
Heather Simmons-Carrasco (USA) was a vital member of the first Olympic gold medal awarded for the team event in synchronized swimming. Follow those Atlanta Games, a majority of the USA team stayed together and were undefeated in international team competition. Prior to 1996, Heather and team USA won a total of seven gold medals in major international competitions, including the Olympics, FINA World Championships and FINA World Cups. Heather began and ended her 18-year artistic swimming career under the auspices of Chris Carver and the Santa Clara Aquamaids. Her USA team golds also included the Pan American Games, French Open, Swiss Open and the Pan Pacs. With the Aquamaids, Heather also won four USA National Team championships as well as the team event at the French and Mallorca Opens.
HONOR MASTERS SWIMMER:
Richard Burns (USA) will be the first Masters Swimmer to be inducted into ISHOF in ten years. He has competed in 11 age groups, 30-34 through 80-84, which he is currently competing in. He has broken an amazing 97 world records as of December 2024, and those are only his individual WR. Rich has competed in six different FINA/World Aquatics Masters World Championships, winning 13 gold, eight silver and two bronze medals, again all individual events. There’s more to add when we start considering his relays. As of December 2023, Burns had added a mind boggling 3,215 FINA Masters World points. Rich was inducted into the Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2010. At the time he had amassed 37 FINA World Records. Since then, he has added 60 additional World Records to his count.
HONOR COACH:
Jane Figueiredo (ZIM/RUS/GBR) was most recently awardedthe 2024 IOC Coaches Lifetime Achievement Award, “awarded to a coach who has gone above and beyond in assisting their athletes both on the sporting and the personal side, supporting them through their Olympic journeys”. She was chosen from more than 110 candidatures, nominated by Olympians, International Federations, National Olympic Committees (NOCs), members of the IOC Athletes’ and IOC Athletes’ Entourage commissions, and IOC Members. Jane has coached 13 Olympic medalists, and in World Championship competition, her divers have over 15 medals. She has been named World Aquatics Diving Coach of the Year, and she is a five-time NCAA Women’s Coach of the Year.
HONOR CONTRIBUTOR:
Stephen A. “Sid” Cassidy (USA) has probably done more for the sport of open water swimming than anyone else. He has served is all aspects of the sport: as an athlete, coach, and race director, but Sid’s greatest influence in the sport has been achieved as the result of his work as chairman of the FINA/WA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee, where he had oversight of the FINA 10 km Marathon Swimming World Cup circuit, the FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix series and the FINA World Open Water Swimming Championships. Under his leadership, marathon swimming was added to the Olympic program at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics. He was the official starter of the first Olympic 10 km Marathon Swim at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has helped standardize and professionalize the judging and staging of marathon swims around the world.
HONOR PARALYMPIAN:
BEATRICE HESS (FRA) is a five-time Paralympian, winning a total of 25 medals, 20 of them gold. She has cerebral palsy and competed in the S5 disability classification. In addition, she has seven (7) world titles and 18 European titles and is the most decorated French Paralympic swimmer. Hess shot to stardom on her Paralympic debut at the New York 1984 Paralympic Games, earning four gold medals in as many events. From there, she was unstoppable, topping the podium 16 more times before closing the curtain on her career after Athens 2004. Hess was the flag bearer at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
In addition, ISHOF will be officially inducting two Honorees from last year’s class of 2025 that were not able to be with us in Singapore: Coach Gregg Troy (USA), and Swimmers Ryan Lochte (USA)
Ryan Lochte (USA) is a 12-time Olympic medalist, making him the THIRD-most decorated swimmer in Olympic history, measured by total number of medals, behind only Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky. Lochte’s seven individual Olympic medals rank second in history in men’s swimming, tied for second among all Olympic swimmers.
Gregg Troy (USA) is a three-time Olympic Coach for the USA, 1996, 2008 and 2012. He has coached many Olympians and Olympic gold medalists including Ryan Lochte, Caleb Dressel and Elizabeth Beisel to name a just few. He was the Head Coach of the Bolles School, 1977-1997, and the University of Florida Gators from 1998-2018, winning the Women’s NCAA’s in 2010.
Ticket and Hotel information will be forthcoming; We hope to have it by the beginning of February. Keep checking at ISHOF.org and or any of our social media platforms.
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For more information, reach out to Meg Keller-Marvin at meg@ishof.org or 570.594.4367.