Book Review: “The Watermen”, ISHOF’s 2022 Buck Dawson Author’s Award Winner….
by: Bruce Wigo
Sportswriters and historians are constantly on a quest to rediscover a hero or event, forgotten by time, whose story could be immortalized in a book or on film. And once or twice in a decade, one of these stories captures the imagination of the public and becomes a runaway best seller, like Laura Hildebrand’s “Unbroken”, Daniel Brown’s “Boys in the Boat” or Julie Checkoway’s “Three-year Swim Club.” Add “The Watermen,” by Michael Loynd, to this illustrious list. By profession, Michael Loynd is neither a sportswriter, nor a university trained historian. He also wasn’t looking to write a book when he took his wife and four kids to Europe for a family vacation in 2013, but it was that vacation that would indirectly (and serendipitously) lead him to the story of “The Watermen.” What Michael Loynd is, is a lawyer, philanthropist, community board activist and a big dreamer who tells an incredibly well-researched story in a wonderfully-entertaining and enlightening manner that will keep you turning the pages and wanting more.
It was while passing through some small Swiss towns in the Alps, that had only hosted an Olympic event — not necessarily the entire Games — that Mike Loynd noticed they all proudly displayed the Olympic rings, and he wondered why his home town of St. Louis – which had hosted the first American Olympics didn’t do the same.
When Loynd returned home, he teamed up with the St. Louis Sports Commission to lobby the I.O.C. for the rights to the Rings and establish an Olympic Legacy program. And five years later, thanks largely to Mike Loynd, the Rings returned to St. Louis, in 2018 -114 years after the city had hosted the III Olympiad in 1904.
It was while researching his Olympic City Legacy Project that Loynd stumbled across the name of Charles M. Daniels for the first time. He was “stunned” that he had never heard of Daniels before then. For Daniels had not only won America’s first individual Olympic gold medals in swimming in St. Louis (in 1904) but his record of winning eight Olympic medals (1904, 1906 & 1908) stood for more than six decades, until iMark Spitz took his total to nine in 1972. What Loynd found even more amazing was that there had never been a biography written about Charley Daniels, and the role he played in the early history of Olympic and American competitive swimming.
For most of the nineteenth century, swimming had been “synonymous with indecency, the uncouth, and the poorest and dirtiest of society,” writes Loynd. But by the time Charley Daniels was born, in 1885, swimming had become synonymous with the privileged elite, those who could afford to learn in unpolluted private natatoriums, afford membership in exclusive athletic clubs or the expense of vacationing at the seaside resorts of Newport, Long Branch and Cape May.
It was into this world of financial and social privilege that Charles Daniels was born. His illustrious grandfather and namesake had been a congressman and served as a New York Supreme Court Justice for 28 years. His mother was a descendent of Massachusetts Senator Daniel Webster and her father was the owner of Buffalo, New York’s most successful dry goods store. His parents, Tom Daniels and Alice Meldrum, grew up in mansions a short distance from each other on Buffalo’s Millionaire Row. When they married in 1884, it was the most anticipated social event of the year in Buffalo. Among the Who’s Who of guests were Judge Charles Folger, a distant cousin of Benjamin Franklin, the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, William Waldorf Astor, one of America’s richest men, and the Governor of New York and next President of the United States, Grover Cleveland. But while Charley Daniels might have been born with the proverbial silver-spoon in his mouth, that didn’t mean he was free from having to overcome enormous personal challenges growing up.
His father, Tom Daniels, turned out to be a self-absorbed, narcissistic womanizer who squandered not only his own inheritance but most of his wife’s, on luxuries and failed business schemes. One day, Tom took the family to the beach where he spent the time showing off he athletic and aquatic talents. When Charley expressed interest in learning to swim, Tom took him to a natatorium. Without any instruction, Tom pushed his son into the deep water – with the mandate to “Swim!” Not surprisingly, Charley sank and almost drowned. After that failure, Tom wasted no opportunity to shame or embarrass the boy in public. Before Tom could do any more damage to Charley, Alice kicked Tom out of their rented apartment in New York City.
Divorce is commonplace today, but in 1900 it was socially unacceptable – and even scandalous, especially for women. For their own survival, Alice and Charley had to maintain the public facade of an intact family as long as they could. But Tom was living openly with another woman and then got caught in an investment swindle that made him as notorious as Bernie Madoff. Alice had no choice but to take the nuclear option to protect what was left of her dignity and inheritance.
As a single mother, Alice struggled to free Charley from the crippling anxiety, depression and sense of worthlessness that was overwhelming his life. She took him to private swim lessons, where a competent instructor helped him overcome the trauma of his near drowning experience. Charley was also small for his age and physically weak. American’s newest hero, Teddy Roosevelt, had overcome anxiety and physical weakness in his youth by “strenuous activity in the great outdoors.” So Alice took Charley to a lodge in upstate New York where he received his first introduction to woodmansship: camping, canoeing, hunting, hiking and shooting.
Returning to the city, Charley found a new father figure in Dr. Phillip Seixas, the athletic director of his high school. “Doc” Seixas was graduate of Columbia University, a medial doctor and an all-around athlete who counted Teddy Roosevelt as a friend and admirer. Like he did for all the boys at the school, “Doc” tried to find a sport Charley could enjoy and excel at. He tried running and high-jumping, baseball, the new sport of basketball and gymnastics, all to no avail. “Doc” also ran a summer camp that fostered scouting and woodsmanship. While Charley truly loved the outdoors and became an expert woodman, what he wanted to do most was prove to himself he could become as good a swimmer as he father – and someday, win his fathers respect. One of the rituals at the camp was was to start each day with a swim and “Doc” helped Charley develop a respectable stroke. If Charley was to have any chance to become a real “swimmer,” “Doc” knew the boy would have join one of the elite athletic clubs. But as the son of Tom Daniels, he also knew that Charley would never be socially accepted as a regular member at any of the important clubs. but there was a back door – as an athletic member – if he could just overcome his anxieties and pass a tryout.
To help him gain a psychological insight into Daniels and coaches who helped mold him, both psychologically and physically, into the greatest swimmer the world had ever known, Loynd interviewed mental health experts about anxiety and researched the era’s knowledge of and approaches to mental health. He also interviewed Olympic gold-medal swimmers, including John Naber, Debbie Meyer, Rowdy Gaines, and Matt Biondi about the emotional roller coaster athletes go through when competing on the world’s biggest stage. The Watermen is not just a book for swimming enthusiasts like myself – it is for anyone who enjoys a good underdog story. But it is also the entertaining story of an era, when America rose to become an international economic powerhouse and when swimming had an incredible, albeit under-appreciated impact on American culture, from the way people dressed in public to women’s rights, and to a modern concept of how people spend their leisure time. And Loynd is a master at using his extensive background research and knowledge to bring Daniels, and the era in which he lived back to life – as only someone totally committed and passionate about his subject can do. For his efforts, I give Mike Loynd a gold medal for literature and I think you will too.
2022 ISHOF Honor Swimmer Craig Beardsley Joins ‘One in a Thousand’ Campaign, “The Hall of Fame Connects All Of Us”
Pan American Games gold medalist and former 200 butterfly world record holder, and 2022 ISHOF Honor Swimmer, Craig Beardsley has joined the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s “One in a Thousand” campaign, which is designed to help the Hall of Fame thrive during the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I donate because when I was a kid, we would go to Fort Lauderdale and the Hall of Fame was there,” Craig Beardsley said. “As a young athlete, it was burned into my brain the importance of something like this! The importance of having an International Swimming Hall of Fame to acknowledge not only the athletes but everyone in aquatic sports.
“People should know of our sport and the people that came before them and what they did to get the sport to where it is today. We all are on the shoulders of giants. For me, it was the ’72 and ‘76 Olympic teams that kicked it off for me.
“Swimmers are a unique group of people and we are a family and whenever you meet a competitive swimmer, there is an instant connection and bond. You meet someone and go, ‘hey you’re a swimmer?’ and next thing you know there are a million things you’re talking about. It makes the world a better place to have similarities and the same things we experience. It’s a bond that lasts through your lifetime. I think the Hall of Fame is a big part of that – it is part of the glue that actually holds us all together. I love the fact that even though I can’t make every banquet, I can read the newsletters and hearing who is getting inducted and who gets an award. It keeps us engaged at a different level, to see what our friends are doing.
“The Hall of Fame for me always goes beyond just swimming. It means a lot more to me. That’s why I donate all the time because I’ve developed friendships within the organization and it means a great deal to me. I don’t swim Masters but I am involved with Swim Across America so I stay engaged. That’s what the hall of fame does! It keeps us connected around the world which I think is really important. The swimming bond lasts a lifetime.”
Join the One in a Thousand Club by helping ISHOF on a monthly or one-time basis.
$10 Monthly Commitment$25 Monthly Commitment$50 Monthly CommitmentMake a One-Time Commitment
For larger corporate sponsorships and estate-planning donations, please contact us at customerservice@ishof.org.
Craig Beardsley: 1980 Olympian
Craig Bearsley. Photo Courtesy: Tim Morse / Swimming World Archive
History views Craig Beardsley as an American great in the 200 meter butterfly. He was preceded by Carl Robie, Mark Spitz and Mike Bruner. He was followed by Mel Stewart, Tom Malchow and Michael Phelps. But Beardsley is missing the Olympic gold medal they all possess, and by no fault of his own. He was a victim of circumstance and political turmoil.
At the height of his career, like many of his United States teammates, Beardsley was poised to capture gold in the 200 butterfly at the 1980 Games. He was the Pan American champion in 1979, earning him favorite status for Moscow. But when President Jimmy Carter announced the United States would boycott the Olympiad, Beardsley’s dream was crushed.
His nightmare only grew darker four years later, when in pursuit of redemption, Beardsley placed third in his prime event at the U.S. Olympic Trials. The finish locked him out of a trip to Los Angeles and led him into retirement. It was also the first year in which nations were limited to two athletes per event, rather than three.
“The lesson I learned from that was actually a very good life lesson,” Beardsley once said of his boycott ordeal. “Sometimes, you do everything in your power, you do everything you’re supposed to do, but sometimes things are just out of your control. You’ve got to learn to put that behind you, let it roll off your shoulders, and just move on.”
Even without an Olympic appearance and hardware, Beardsley’s accomplishments are impressive.
Two world records (with his reign atop the event lasting for more than three years)Gold medals at the 1979 and 1983 Pan American GamesA bronze medal at the 1982 World Championships
Perhaps most impressive is the fact that his first world record was an emphatic rebuttal to what unfolded—without his presence—at the 1980 Olympics. Just 10 days after the Soviet Union’s Sergey Fesenko won gold in a time of 1:59.76, Beardsley blasted that performance with a global standard of 1:58.21. The effort left no doubt who was the dominant man in the event.
The International Swimming Hall of Fame wants to know if you are one in a thousand? We think you are! Show how special you are and become a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s “One In A Thousand” Club. Help keep the International Swimming Hall of Fame moving forward toward a new vision and museum by joining now!
During these unprecedented times, the ISHOF Board is calling on every member in the aquatic community to make a small monthly commitment of support to show how special you are and how special the International Swimming Hall of Fame is to everyone.
“Our goal is simple. If we get 1,000 people to simply commit $10, $25 or $50 per month, we will generate enough revenue to go beyond this Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis.” – Bill Kent – Chairman of the ISHOF Board“Those that believe in our vision, mission, and goals can join us in taking ISHOF into the future and be a part of aquatic history.” – Brent Rutemiller – CEO and President of ISHOF
Since 1965, ISHOF has been 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. ISHOF’s vision for the future is to build a new museum and expand its reach by offering its museum artifacts digitally through a redesigned website.
The ISHOF Board of Directors is calling on all members of the aquatics community to make a small monthly commitment to show their dedication to aquatics and how special the International Swimming Hall of Fame is to everyone.
Paragon Awards Ceremony For 2022 Will Be Celebrated Friday, October 14th In Fort Lauderdale
by MEG KELLER-MARVIN 20 May 2022
The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) is proud to announce the recipients of the 25th Annual Paragon Awards, sponsored by Pentair Aquatic Systems. The Paragon Awards are presented annually to individuals or organizations for outstanding contributions to aquatics. This year’s recipients are Ellaine Cox for Competitive Swimming; Al Beaird for Water Polo; Julie Ahlering for Diving; Margaret MacLennan for Artistic/Synchronized Swimming; J. Arturo Abraldes, Ph.D. for Aquatic Safety and Kent Williams, PPOA, for Recreational Swimming. This year’s awards will be held Friday evening October 14, 2022 during the ISHOF and Masters (MISHOF) Honoree Induction weekend, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
Make your plans now to attend October 14-15, 2022! Purchase your tickets TODAY!!!
“For more than 20 years now, Pentair has been honored to be associated with the International Swimming Hall of Fame in recognizing leaders in the aquatic industry who play a prominent role in the promotion of aquatics with the Paragon Awards”, said Jim Drozdowski, Institutional Aquatics Sales Manager for Pentair Aquatic Systems.
“The annual Paragon Awards is a spectacular event that celebrates 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. We are so proud to recognize these important people at the International Swimming Hall of Fame through the sponsorship of Pentair every year,” said ISHOF President/CEO Brent Rutemiller.
About This Year’s Paragon Award Recipients:
Photo Courtesy: USA Swimming
Ellaine Cox – Competitive Swimming
Ellaine Cox began her career in swimming because she was a bored swim parent, sitting in the stands, waiting for her daughter to swim. She began as a timer, which evolved into a stroke and turn judge at the local level, state and finally USA Swimming level and was eventually attending monthly meetings in Indianapolis.
For Indiana Swimming I progressed from representative for the monthly meetings for Michiana Marlins (South Bend) to Age Group Chairman, Administrative Vice Chairman, Indiana Swimming and finally as a member of the Board of Directors. Eventually, Ellaine was sked to attend the annual United States Aquatic Sports convention, representing Indiana Swimming. She also served on the USA Swimming Site Selection/Facilities Committee for a number of years;
Recognizing another like-minded women in 1986, Carol Zaleski asked Ellaine if she would consider chairing the Awards Committee for USA Swimming. Ellaine agreed and served as Chair until 2020 several committee responsibilities were taken in-house by USA Swimming for staff members to manage.
In 1998, Ellaine’s real talent’s real put to the test when she was asked to become the Convention coordinator for the United States Aquatic Sports. Ellaine says she “was able to persuade the most amazing group of special friends, Bob and Helen Brown, Margaret Donofrio, Deb Turner, Penny Taylor, Paul and Mary Beth Windrath and Gay Wright to join me in this undertaking. As a team, we were able to generate one million dollars in profit for USAS in the years we were ‘in charge’. Best bunch of brains and talents one could ask for! In 1999 we were responsible for our first convention in Burlingame, CA. As a result of the relationship, we established with Hyatt Hotels we were able to keep rates under control for the delegation that represented USA Diving, Master’s Swimming, USA Swimming, Synchronized Swimming and Water Polo.”
Photo Courtesy: Julie Ahlering
Julie Ahlering – Diving
St. Louis native, Julie (Capps) Ahlering was a four-time All-American Diver and Scholar Athlete for the University of Miami, coached by ISHOF Honoree, Tom Gompf and ISHOF Paragon Award winner, Steve McFarland. She was a finalist in over 25 national diving events including the Olympic Diving Trials.
After college she returned to St. Louis and raised four sons, but diving was not at all forgotten. She was asked to become a FINA Certified Diving Judge and help provide needed expertise in the sport. In 2010 she became FINA certified and immediately became known as one of the best diving officials in the United States. She judged ten NCAA, ACC, PAC-12 Championships as well as three Olympic Diving Trials. Ahlering soon became among the most respected international Diving judges in the World, judging FINA World Cups, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and she represented the United States as their Olympic Judge in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Julie’s love for diving and her dedication to Judging found a partner in arms with former Paragon winner, Cokey Huffman (2016). Together they, and other like-minded colleagues, established the United States Diving Judge Education and Certification Program. Today it is one of the top programs of its kind in the world. Ahlering’s contribution to the sport of Diving and her commitment to fair play will continue to live on through this program and her example of giving back to the sport she loves!
Photo Courtesy: Canada Artistic Swimming
Margaret MacLennan – Artistic (Synchronized) Swimming
Margaret MacLennan was the first female to be named as a member to the FINA Bureau (now FINA TSSC) in 1988 after she decided that synchronized swimming needed a presence. It was her passion and her valuable skills that not only earned her a seat on the Bureau but allowed her to influence the advancement of FINA rules for synchronized swimming. Her political astuteness and diplomacy elevated the credibility and interest of synchronized swimming in a field of male-dominated aquatic sports. She worked tirelessly and consistently with the Bureau during her tenure and was well respected by her peers.
She began as a long-time judge and volunteer in BC Synchro before she became involved in the sport at the international level as a member of the formerly named FINA TSSC (Technical Synchronized Swimming Committee), from 1984 to 1988. Margaret lobbied long and strong with her cohorts to bring Synchronized Swimming to the world stage as part of the Olympic Games, as well as working with FINA to elevate the sport. She served as the Technical Delegate for Synchro at the 1996 Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta, Georgia and officiated at the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Games as well.
She began her involvement in synchronized swimming as a competitor with the Vancouver Amateur Swim Club and the Vancouver Synchronized Swim Clubs in the 1960s and finished second in duet at the Canadian National Synchronized Championships. She went on to make her mark on the sport with her involvement first as a coach, next as an official and then serving on the boards of Synchro Canada and the Aquatic Federation of Canada.
Marg has a son Doug, a daughter Ann and a grandson Logan.
Photo Courtesy: MPSports.org
Al Beaird – Water Polo
For 24 years, Al Beaird served as Executive Director for the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF). He was the first Executive Director chosen in 1992, when the MPSF was created and established to serve the competitive needs of member institutions from the Big West, Pacific-10 (now the Pac-12) and Western Athletic Conferences, as well as other selected universities in the western United States; and to provide championships competition for Division I intercollegiate Olympic sports in a conference setting. The founding principles on which the MPSF was originally formed were to provide enhanced competition and championship opportunities for sports without conference affiliation; to contain the costs of competition; and to ensure the survival of endangered sports.
The MPSF sports portfolio included, among other sports, men’s and women’s water polo, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and women’s water polo. Currently the MPSF provides a conference home 85-100 teams from 35+ universities in nine states competing in NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics. Since the inception of the Federation, MPSF teams have won 81 NCAA team titles…
In addition to his position as Executive Director at the MPSF, Al was a member of NCAA Men’s Water Polo Committee 2000-2004 (committee chair 2001-2004) and chair of inaugural NCAA Men’s and Women’s Joint Water Polo Rules Committee 2004. Member National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). Al retired from MPSF in 2021.
Photo Courtesy: Aquatics International
Kent Williams, PPOA – Recreational Swimming
Kent Williams literally wrote the book on swimming pool operations. He personally developed he program and wrote the textbook for the National Recreational Pool Association’s Aquatic facility Operator’s program, starting in 1991 and he went on to continue to help shape the educational pool operational process. In addition, he founded and operated the PPOA, the Professional Pool Operators of America, to promote professionalism and recognition of swimming pool operators.
Williams goal was to bring professionalism to his industry. In fact, to be part of his 1,500-member organization, you had to be a graduate of a recognized pool-operator curriculum, an instructor or a pool-assigned environmental health specialist. “They’re truly professional because they are fully certified,” he would say. His PPOA membership stretched to Canada, Europe, Australia, Central America, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. His group aimed to recognize, acknowledge, train and refine the operators of institutional and public aquatics facilities throughout the Americas (and now the developed world).
Now retired, due to health issues, Williams is proud of what he did for his industry and hopes what he began continues to grow.
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Arturo Abraldes
J. Arturo Abraldes, Ph. D. – Aquatic Safety
Dr. Arturo Abraldes is a fine example of a person that successfully mixes theory and practice in water safety, both national and internationally. He has served in the field of lifesaving as an academic, author, researcher, lifeguard, instructor, sport coach, journal editor and conference facilitator for the last 25 years. His qualifications are both academic and vocational. He received a Masters degree on Physical Education, Sport and Health Education and a Phd in Physical Education with a thesis on lifesaving. He holds 14 certifications in swimming, lifesaving, first aid, lifeguarding, instructor, coach, referee, and national assessor from seven organizations (Spanish Lifesaving Federation, Galicia Lifesaving Federation, Rescue 3 International, Spanish Association Emergency, Spanish Swimming Federation, Spanish Lifesaving Referee Committee and Spanish Association Club Lifesaving), having practiced all these subjects.
Like his studies, his work has always been related to lifesaving professionally. After working for many years as a lifeguard and then sport lifesaving coach, he was instrumental in the formation of sports lifesaving of the Lifesaving Federation of Galicia, as the Secretary, Manager and Vice President at different times. He also acts as a board member of the Lifesaving Federation of Galicia and Spanish Association of Lifesaving Clubs.
And with over 180 publications, Arturo is one of the most prolific water safety authors in the world. He has co-authored over 20 lifesaving related books, numerous educational DVDs, and has been a speaker at national and international conferences. For his contributions to the field of water safety he has been honored several times as well both locally and nationally.
The Paragon Awards are part of ISHOF’s 57th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame and Masters Honoree Induction Weekend, October 14-15, 2022. For ticket information visit www.ishof.org or call 570 594-4367. For more information about the Paragon Awards, https://ishof.org/awards/paragon-awards/
About the International Swimming Hall of Fame & Masters (MISHOF) Induction Weekend:
This year’s International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees include:
International Swimming Hall of Fame 2022 Honorees
Craig Beardsley (USA) – Honor Swimmer
Natalie Coughlin (USA) – Honor Swimmer
Marilyn Bell (CAN) – Honor Open Water Swimmer
Michael Klim (AUS) – Honor Swimmer
Jon Sieben (AUS) – Honor Swimmer
Daichi Suzuki (JPN)– Honor Swimmer
Matthew Mitcham (AUS) – Honor Diver
Ursula Carlile (AUS) – Honor Coach
Peter Huerzeler (SUI) – Honor Contributor
Carol Zaleski (USA) – Honor Contributor
Mirko Vicevic (YUG/MON) Honor Water Polo Player
Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees
Doris Steadman* (USA) Masters Swimmer
Dr. Jane Katz (USA) Masters Contributor
Edith Bohm (GER) Masters Swimmer
Olga Kokorina* (RUS) Masters Swimmer
Shigehisha Sekikawa (JPN) Masters Swimmer
Birte Hohlstein(GER) Masters Artistic Swimmer
Guenther Wolf (GER) Masters Water Polo Player
ISHOF Specialty Awards – TBA
The Induction Weekend Schedule
Friday, October 14, 2022
ISHOF Specialty and Paragon Awards Ceremony
5:30 pm Cocktail Reception 6:30 pm Awards Ceremony
City of Fort Lauderdale Community Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Official 57th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner
5:30 pm VIP Reception6:30 –10:00 pm Induction Ceremony & Dinner
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa, 3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
HOTEL INFORMATION
Host Hotel: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Upscale retreat with private beach access, two pools, four restaurants, full-service spa and oceanside bar. Location of the Saturday evening induction ceremony. ¼ mile south of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-4000
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $229 per night, BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE
($39 Resort fee – Guests can opt out if not interested in resort amenities)
Additional Hotel Option: Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 524-8733 Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $189 per night
Honoree Ceremony October 15, 2022 – Last Day to Book: Friday, September 30, 2022
Questions: contact Meg Keller-Marvin at meg@ishof.org or 570-594-4367
About International Swimming Hall of Fame (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 the history of aquatic sports while promoting Every Child A Swimmer.
For more information, call Meg-Keller-Marvin at 570 594-4367 or e-mail: meg@ishof.org or visit www.ishof.org
Make your plans now to attend October 15, 2022! Purchase your tickets TODAY!!! (Get info on membership here.) Can’t attend the event? Donate to ISHOF to support our honorees. Subscribe
Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame To Induct Seven New Members With ISHOF in 2022
Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame (MISHOF) is a division of the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) with Inductions scheduled for Saturday, October 15, 2022
The International Swimming Hall of Fame is proud to announce that it will be including MISHOF’s prestigious Class of 2022 to its Saturday evening Induction program. This year Masters Class will include seven honorees from four countries: Four swimmers, one water polo player, one synchronized swimmer, and one contributor.
This Year’s Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame Class Includes:
MASTER CONTRIBUTOR:
DR. JANE KATZ (USA)
Photo Courtesy: Jane Katz
Dr. Jane Katz has served the world of swimming in so many capacities. In 2000, Katz was awarded the FINA Certificate of Merit to honor her “dedication and contributions to the development” of the sport of swimming.
As a member of the U.S. synchronized swimming team that performed at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, Jane helped synchronized swimming become a sport at the Olympic level. She is an All-American and World Champion Masters Swimmer in competitive swimming, long distance swimming, and synchronized swimming. She has published numerous aquatic related books through the years, as well as DVDs, that range from water fitness to synchronized swimming.
MASTERS SWIMMERS:
DORIS STEADMAN (USA)
Photo Courtesy: Peter Bick
Doris Steadman hadn’t swam since her college days at Temple, until she entered her first Masters meet at 58 years old, in Fort Lauderdale at the 1980 AAU Masters Nationals. At the same meet, her daughter Nance, also swam her first Masters Nationals at age 28.
Even in her first Masters meet, Steadman was more than just competitive. She placed in the top three, and shortly after that, she began winning the backstroke events and setting numerous records. Doris enjoyed traveling and swimming all over the country and went to four World Masters events, with Nancy. One of her favorite trips was when she competed at the FINA World Masters Swimming Championships in Munich, Germany in 2000. She won all three of her backstroke events, in the pool where the 1972 Olympics had taken place. She was also extremely competitive and loved to win! She loved to work out and continually looked to improve her times and set records.
Doris E. Steadman, 88, passed away on January 8, 2013.
EDITH BÖHM (GER)
Photo Courtesy: Edith Bohm
Since 1986, Edith Bohm has been in the Top Ten 22 times until 2008 when she competed in her last swim meet in Bavaria. She set 15 long course and 13 short course FINA Masters World Records in the breaststroke, one of them lasting seven years. Bohm has competed in seven FINA Masters World Championships between 1986 and 2004 winning a total of 29 medals, 18 of them gold.
She is now 94 years old and lives in Munich where she still trains twice a week. She is also still actively involved in coaching handicapped children.
OLGA KOKORINA (RUS)*
Photo Courtesy: Olga Kokorina
Russia’s Olga Kokorina, born November 1st, 1923, has been a swimmer her entire life but did not start swimming Masters until 1998, when she was already 75 years old. She broke world records in almost every competition she entered. She then decided to risk it all and flew to the USA using all her money to take part in the World Masters Games in Portland, Oregon where she won three gold medals and established a world record in the 100m breaststroke. The next year at the European Championship in Innsbruck she broke two world records and won two golds.
Her last recorded races were in 2015 where she swam in the 90-94 age group at the Russian Masters cup. In her 17 years in Masters swimming she broke 34 world records and won more than 50 gold medals.
Olga Kokorina passed away in January of this year at the age of 98.
SHIGEHISA SEKIKAWA (JPN)
Since 1991, Shigehisa Sekikawa has been in the Top Ten world rankings 24 times. He has set 14 long course and 17 short course FINA backstroke Masters World Records. His 1998 200m backstroke short course world record in the 65 to 70 age group stood for 7 years. In world rankings since 1991, he has 16- number 1, 26- number 2 and 7- number 3 long course and 18- number 1, 25- number 2 and 4- number 3 short course for a total of 34- number 1, 51- number 2 and 11- number 3 total world rankings in the backstroke. He has not competed in any FINA Masters World Championships he accumulated his points by swimming world records and world rankings. He last competed in 2015
MASTER SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER
BIRTE HOHLSTEIN – JANSSEN (GER)
Birte Hohlstein-Janssen and her sister, Silke, were experienced national level synchronized swimmers who new nothing about the Masters level of the sport until Silke was in a terrible car accident in 1992. Her sister was in a coma for a week and was told she would never walk again. Silke fell into a deep depression and thought that she would have nothing to live for without synchronized (artistic) swimming. Birte did some research, came to the hospital and informed her about something called Masters Swimming. Birte told Silke about the upcoming Masters World Championships in 1994 in Montreal, Canada. She gave Silke a goal and a reason to get out of bed, a reason to fight and to get back in the pool. Birte and Silke travelled to Montreal in 1994 and became the gold medalists in the duet competition in the 25-29 age group! That was the start of their second synchronized swimming career.
Since then, they have been loyal Masters synchronized swimmers. Birte has attended 11 FINA Masters World Championships since 1994 and has won at least one gold or silver medal in 10 of the 11 meets. This success comes despite being hampered by the fact that there is no Masters team in her region. So she and Silke have been limited to only doing solo and duet, except when they briefly joined a team based in Berlin. This brought them the gold medal in team, as well as duet, at the 1998 FINA Worlds in Casablanca, Morocco.
Birte has seemed to be in the shadow of her older sister but has achieved much on her own because she is the more talkative and outgoing of the sisters. She is always willing to help anyone who needed coaching assistance, no matter what country they may be from, even if they are in direct competition with her and Silke. Her always positive attitude and ready smile have gained her many friends throughout the world.
MASTER WATER POLO PLAYER:
GUENTER WOLF (GER)
Günter Wolf (born September 27, 1949) was an active water polo player from 1962 to 1978, a five-time German National Champion with a team called SV 05 Würzburg. Wolf played 131 matches for the German National Team between 1969 and 1976 and took part in the 1972 (4th) and 1976 (6th) Olympic Games
From 1983 to 1998 he coached the Water Polo “Bundesligamannschaft” SV 05 Würzburg.
From 2000 until now he has been involved with Masters Water Polo. With his team SC Duesseldorf, he has participated in eight FINA Masters World Championships, winning five gold, two silver and one bronze.
In the LEN European Championships his team won three gold and two silver and more than 30 German National Championships.
The Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Weekend Schedule
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Official 57th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner
5:30 pm VIP Reception6:30 –10:00 pm Induction Ceremony & Dinner
HOTEL INFORMATION
Host Hotel: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Upscale retreat with private beach access, two pools, four restaurants, full service spa and oceanside bar. Location of the Saturday evening induction ceremony. ¼ mile south of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-4000
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $229 per night, BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE
($39 Resort fee – Guests can opt out if not interested in resort amenities)
Additional Hotel Option: Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 524-8733 Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $189 per night
Honoree Ceremony October 15, 2022 Last Day to Book: Friday, September 30, 2022
For additional information or if you have any questions, please call Meg Keller-Marvin, 570.594-4367
Natalie Coughlin – 3-Time Olympian, 12-Time Olympic Medalist – To Be Inducted Into International Swimming Hall of Fame
Natalie Coughlin to be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Natalie Coughlin was a U.S. competitive swimmer, three-time Olympian and twelve-time Olympic medalist (3 Gold, 4 S, 5 B). She attended UC Berkeley, swimming for the Golden Bears. Natalie became the first woman to swim the 100-meter backstroke, long course, in less than one minute in 2002. She achieved that milestone at the International Swimming Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex during the U.S. Nationals in Fort Lauderdale. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Natalie became the first U.S. female athlete in modern Olympic history to win six medals in one Olympiad and the first woman ever to win a 100-meter backstroke gold in two consecutive Games. She competed in her third Olympic Games in London in 2012, where she earned a bronze medal in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay.
Photo Courtesy: ESPN
Natalie’s success earned her Swimming World Magazine‘s World Swimmer of the Year and American Swimmer of the Year, three times each. She won more than 60 medals in international competitions, including the Olympic Games, the World Championships, Pan American and Pan Pacific Championships. Natalie won eleven individual NCAA national championship titles and a twelfth NCAA relay title, during her four years as a Cal Bear. She was voted NCAA Swimmer of the Year, three consecutive years, and Sport Illustrated Magazine named her its college Female Athlete of the Year. Her beauty graced the cover of ESPN’s The Body Issue in 2015. Coughlin graduated from Berkeley with a degree in psychology in the spring of 2005. Coughlin was inducted into the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014.
Prior to entering college, Natalie was Swimming World Magazine’s High School Swimmer of the Year in 1998
Come and meet Coughlin in person and hear her incredible life story at the ISHOF Induction dinner on Saturday, October 15, 2022.
Can’t attend the event? Please consider donating to ISHOF and support Natalie and our other inspirational Honorees.
More About Natalie Coughlin:
Natalie has continued to stay in the spotlight whether it was water related or in a different capacity. She competed in Dancing with the Stars in 2019.
One of her favorite hobbies today is cooking. She has appeared on several different cooking shows and has authored her own cookbook: Cook to Thrive: Recipes to Fuel Body and Soul. In 2017, Natalie became involved in winemaking, when she became a partner in Gaderian Wines, Napa Valley. Natalie is married to Ethan Hall and the mother of two, a daughter in 2012 and a son, Ozzie, in 2020.
Make your plans now to attend October 15, 2022! Purchase your tickets TODAY!!! (Get info on membership here.) Can’t attend the event? Donate to ISHOF to support our honorees.
This year’s International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees include:
International Swimming Hall of Fame 2022 Honorees
Craig Beardsley (USA) – Swimming
Natalie Coughlin (USA) – Swimming
Marilyn Bell (CAN) – Open Water Swimming
Michael Klim (AUS) – Swimming
Jon Sieben (AUS) – Swimming
Daichi Suzuki (JPN)– Swimming
Matthew Mitcham (AUS) – Diving
Ursula Carlile (AUS) – Coach
Peter Huerzeler (SUI) – ISHOF Contributor
Mirko Vicevic (YUG/MON) Water Polo
Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees
USA Swimmer (TBA) USA Contributor (TBA)
Edith Bohm (GER) Masters Swimmer
Olga Kokorina (RUS) Masters Swimmer
Shigehisha Sekikawa (JPN) Masters Swimmer
Birte Hohlstein (GER) Masters Artistic Swimming
Guenther Wolf (GER) Masters Water Polo
Paragon Awards
To be announced soon
The Induction Weekend Schedule
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Official 57th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner
5:30 pm VIP Reception
6:30 –10:00 pm Induction Ceremony & Dinner
Purchase Tickets HERE
HOTEL INFORMATION
Host Hotel: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Upscale retreat with private beach access, two pools, four restaurants, full service spa and oceanside bar. Location of the Saturday evening induction ceremony. ¼ mile south of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-4000
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $229 per night, BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE
($39 Resort fee – Guests can opt out if not interested in resort amenities)
Additional Hotel Option: Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 524-8733 Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $189 per night
Honoree Ceremony October 15, 2022 Last Day to Book: Friday, September 30, 2022
Phase I Done: ISHOF Pool Complex Renovation Complete
Phase I Done: ISHOF Pool Complex Renovation Complete
Earlier this week HENSEL PHELPS completed the Fort Lauderdale Aquatics Center at the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
There are three brand new, completely refurbished pools, including a diving well, the main competition pool, and a training pool. All in, the new facility retains over 2.6 million gallons of water. This section of the Hall of Fame is slated to open in stages throughout 2022. The pools are projected to open by early summer but no official date has been confirmed.
The diving tower measures 27 meters high with eight additional different-height platforms and two springboards available for use. This is the first and only dive tower of this height in the USA. It is second only to the High Diving Stadium in Zhao Qing, China
The two ISHOF buildings are scheduled to be torn down this summer and replaced with spectacular and new iconic buildings.
New ISHOF Front Entrance
New ISHOF Museum Building
Expected Aerial View of Entire Aquatic Complex in 2025
Here are the latest statistics of the new pools, courtesy of HENSEL PHELPS and Weller Pools.
West Competition Pool
Built: 2022Width: 25 MetersLength: 50 MetersDepth: 6.5 – 10 FeetVolume: 976,340 GallonsNumber of Lanes: 50 Meters (10), 25 Meters (20), and 25 Yards (20)Lane Width: 8.2 FeetWater Polo Courses: 30 Meters (1), 25 Meters (2)Synchronized Swimming Courses: 1Timing System: Omega SwissSeating: Permanent Grandstands 1,522
Dive Well
Built: 2022Width: 25 MetersLength: 25 YardsDepth: 19.5 FeetVolume: 926,578 GallonsNumber of Lanes: 25 Meters (8)Diving Platforms: 1 Meter, 3 Meter, 5 Meter, 7.5 Meter, 10 Meter, 20 Meter, 24 Meter, and 27 MeterSpringboards: 1 Meter (2), 3 Meter (3)Sparger System: Pulsair Softwater Landing System
East Competition Pool
Built: 1991Width: 25 YardsLength: 50 MetersDepth: 4 – 12.5 FeetVolume: 749,348 GallonsNumber of Lanes: 50 Meters (10) at 7 Feet Wide, 25 Yards (20) at 8 Feet Wide
The original competition pool was built in 1965 and underwent refurbishment from 1991-96. The original diving structure was built in 1965 as well. This is the first complete renovation of the diving area since the Hall of Fame opened.
Phase Two of the ISHOF renovation, the new museum, is already in motion. Members of the Hall of Fame staff have spent countless hours tagging, logging, and packing all of the memorabilia we have come to know and love. No immediate information regarding the museum renovation or reopening dates has been released at this time.
Jackie Robinson Paved Way For All Sports When He Broke Baseball’s Color Barrier 75 Years
by DAN D’ADDONA — SWIMMING WORLD MANAGING EDITOR
Photo Courtesy: Public Domain Photo
Seventy-five years ago, the most significant moment in the history of all modern sports took place when Jackie Robinson stepped onto the field with the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Robinson, who played mostly second base in his career, played first base on April 15, 1947, at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.
It was the start of a long struggle for integration in all sports and the start of a long battle Robinson endured, with years or racial slurs, threats on his life and pitchers throwing at his head. But it was a fight he was willing to endure, and do so without fighting back, which made the “Great Experiment” as it was called, work.
Robinson went on to transform the game, bringing the electric base running of the Negro Leagues to the majors, quickly becoming one of the game’s greatest stars. He won Rookie of the Year in 1947, then the MVP in 1949, transforming the Dodgers into a perennial World Series contender.
But more importantly, it transformed the game.
Within a few years, other black stars — some of the game’s greatest players in history — would join him in the majors. It was a baseball revolution, which within five years saw baseball legends like Willie Mays, Monte Irvin, Roy Campanella, Minnie Minoso and Satchel Paige follow Robinson to the majors. Just a few years later, Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Frank Robinson, Bob Gibson and Ernie Banks followed, ushering in the Golden Era of baseball.
But Jackie Robinson’s legacy goes far beyond baseball.
Sure, his baseball exploits gave him a platform, but it was what he did with that platform that transcended baseball.
His heroics on the field led to other sports becoming integrated. In fact, once at Ebbets Field, Robinson spoke to a group of teenagers from Canada who had earned a trip to New York. A young Willie O’Ree was just 13 but told Robinson he wanted to integrate the NHL just as Robinson had done with MLB. A few years later, O’Ree was the first black hockey player in the NHL.
Jackie Robinson was outspoken, which also gave a rise to a generation of black athletes like Althea Gibson (tennis), Arthur Ashe (tennis), Bill Russell (basketball), Jim Brown (football) and a little later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (basketball) and Muhammad Ali (boxing).
These athletes revolutionized their sports and became role models for kids of all backgrounds.
Swimming has had several barrier breakers:
Enith Brigitha
Enith Brigitha was one of the first Black swimmers to reach the top of the sport. She was fittingly born on April 15 — Jackie Robinson Day — and born in the year that Robinson led Brooklyn to its only World Series title (1955).
Brigitha, who was born in Curacao and represented the Netherlands, became the first Black swimmer to earn a swimming medal at the Olympics. She won the bronze medal in the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle in the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
She finished behind two East German swimmers in both events and with the controversial doping that took place by the East Germans, she very well could have been the first Black swimmer to earn a gold
medal.
.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H.Bick
Anthony Nesty
Anthony Nesty made his impact in swimming long before taking over as coach of the University of Florida. Nesty won the gold medal in the 100 butterfly at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul while competing for Suriname.
He was the first Black male swimmer to earn a medal and the first to win gold and just the second gold medal winner to ever come from a South American nation. He won the bronze in the same event in 1992 in Barcelona.
He is now one of the few Black coaches in college swimming.
Anthony Ervin; Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Anthony Ervin
In 2000, Anthony Ervin became the first African-American swimmer to earn a gold medal in Olympic swimming.
He won the gold in the 50 freestyle, tying teammate Gary Hall Jr. Ervin was just the second swimmer of African decent, following Nesty, to win a gold medal at the Olympics. Ervin is of African-American and Jewish descent.
He wasn’t done.
Ervin won gold in the 50 freestyle 16 years later in 2016 at the age of 35, becoming the oldest individual Olympic swimming champion. He won three golds and a silver during his Olympic career, which spanned three Games.
Maritza Correia McClendon
Maritza Correia McClendon was a Black swimmer from Puerto Rico who became the first Puerto Rican of African decent to be on the U.S. Olympic team, competing at the 2004 Games in Athens.
She earned the silver medal on the 400 freestyle relay and was the first Black female swimmer to set an American and world record in swimming.
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Cullen Jones
In 2008, Cullen Jones joined Nesty and Ervin as Olympic gold medalists. As part of the 400 freestyle relay, Jones won gold in Beijing and was also the first African-American male to hold a world record, as the U.S. relay squad set the mark.
He also broke the American record in the 50 freestyle (21.59) at the Olympic Trials.
But the relay was a huge moment for Jones and swimming and was heightened by the fact that this was one of the most exciting events in swimming history as Jason Lezak chased down France’s Alain Bernard in the anchor leg to give the U.S. gold and preserve the record-setting 8-for-8 gold performance by Michael Phelps.
Jones returned to the Olympics in 2012 and won gold in the 400 medley relay and claimed silver in the 50 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay. Jones was part of the historic 2012 U.S. Olympic team that was the first to have more than one African-American swimmer on the team. Jones was joined by Ervin and Lia Neal in 2012.
Simone Manuel. Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
Simone Manuel
In 2016, Simone Manuel became the first African-American woman to win an individual Olympic medal in swimming, as well as set an Olympic record and American record. She and Canada’s Penny Oleksiak tied for the gold in the 100 freestyle and broke the Olympic record in the event. Manuel is also a three-time world record relay swimmer.
At Stanford, she was a six-time individual NCAA champion, leading an historic 1-2-3 finish with Lia Neal and Natalie Hinds, the first 1-2-3 sweep by African-American swimmers in NCAA history.
These swimmers have led the way into a sport that continues to diversify. African-Americans Lia Neal and Natalie Hinds have become Olympians. Reece Whitley has excelled in the breaststroke and Giles Smith was named captain of an International Swimming League (ISL) team. David Curtiss broke a national high school record and became an international medalist.
Today, we remember Robinson who got the ball rolling by breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
Join The International Swimming Hall of Fame and Get Swimming World Magazine
A International Swimming Hall of Fame membership now includes Swimming World Magazine
Swimming World now comes with your tax-deductible membership to the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF). You Can Still Order a $39.95 Digital Only Subscription at SwimmingWorld.com/Renew, but a print subscription comes with a Family or Legacy ISHOF Membership.
$100.00 ISHOF Single Membership: Monthly digital subscription to Swimming World, Swimming World Biweekly and Swimming Technique publications downloaded from the Swimming World Vault, free ISHOF museum admission for one-person, ISHOF pin, patch, newsletter and annual yearbook, and 10% off all swim shop purchases. Visit SwimmingWorld.com/Renew to Renew
$150.00 ISHOF Family Membership: 12 print issues of Swimming World Magazine and a monthly digital subscription to Swimming World, Swimming World Biweekly and Swimming Technique publications downloaded from the Swimming World Vault, free ISHOF museum family admission, discounted ISHOF event tickets, ISHOF newsletter and annual yearbook, ISHOF t-shirt, pin and patch, and 10% off all swim shop purchases. Visit SwimmingWorld.com/Renew to Renew
$300.00 ISHOF Legacy Membership: 12 print issues of Swimming World Magazine, download issues back to 1960 including Swimming World Biweekly and Swimming Technique, free museum group admission, discounted ISHOF event tickets, ISHOF newsletter and annual yearbook, ISHOF polo shirt, pin and patch, and 10% off all swim shop purchases. Visit SwimmingWorld.com/Renew to Renew
Questions: Subscriptions@SwimmingWorld.com or Memberships@ISHOF.org 1-800-511-3029
Event Changes Likely as Paris 2024 Moves to Nine-Day Schedule of Finals
by DAVID RIEDER
Event Changes Likely as Paris 2024 Moves to Nine-Day Schedule of Finals
For the first time, Olympic swimming will take place over nine days of finals at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The organizing committee for the Games recently released the full competition schedule by sport for the Games, which will take place from Wednesday, July 24 through Sunday, August 11, 2024. As usual, swimming will be held over the first week of the Games beginning the day after the Opening Ceremony, but there will be one additional day of finals.
The swimming competition will take place at Paris La Defense Arena, and for eight days stretching from Saturday, July 27 through Saturday, August 3, competition will include prelims from 11 a.m. through 1 p.m. local time and finals from 8:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Paris is six hours ahead of the United States, so that would mean a start time of 2:30 p.m. for those watching from the U.S. east coast. The schedule also includes a finals session from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 4.
FINA confirmed to Swimming World that this schedule is accurate. Swimming will return to evening finals in Paris after medals were awarded in the morning for the Tokyo Games, a move designed to accommodate prime-time viewing in the United States. But the schedule of events could change completely after it remained almost identical for the last five Olympics, with seven sessions of prelims and eight sessions of finals. Aside from moving finals to the morning in Tokyo (and previously at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing), the only recent change was the addition of the women’s 1500 freestyle, the men’s 800 freestyle and the mixed 400 medley relay to bring the total number of medal events up from 32 to 35.
Now, the schedule will spread out over eight prelims and nine finals. The move will likely be welcome news to female and male sprinters who had to navigate the 50 freestyle, mixed 400 medley relay and single-gender 400 medley relays over the final two days of racing in Tokyo.
FINA revealed that the competition schedule for Paris is still being developed in conjunction with the International Olympic Committee and the organizing committee for the Paris Games.
USA Swimming confirms Indy will host 2024 Swimming Olympic Trials….
by DAN D’ADDONA — SWIMMING WORLD MANAGING EDITOR
USA Swimming has confirmed the report that the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials are headed to Indianapolis.
The official announcement was made by USA Swimming and Indiana Sports Corp, that the event will take place in Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.
“From day one, I truly believed that there was no bigger, more exciting, everything-on-the-line Olympic event in this country than the Swimming Trials and envisioned the heights that we could take it to,” USA Swimming President & CEO Tim Hinchey III said. “Given their track record, we are incredibly confident and excited in Indianapolis’ ability to conduct a technically flawless competition and to stage a world-class event. We are also proud of Indiana Sports Corp’s commitment to partnering with us in giving back to the local community and leaving a legacy far beyond our nine-day meet.”
Omaha has hosted the past four U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials.
Traditionally aking place every four years, the Olympic Trials rank as the most prestigious swimming event in the United States. The 2024 Olympic Trials will serve as the sole selection meet for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team, which will represent Team USA in the pool competition in Paris, France. While Indianapolis last hosted the swimming Trials in 2000, 2024 will mark the 100-year anniversary since Indianapolis hosted the Olympic Swimming Trials for the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.
“We are honored to be selected as host to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming,” Indiana Sports Corp President Ryan Vaughn said. “The sports strategy in Indianapolis was built on a foundation of Olympic sports and we look forward to elevating the sport of swimming and Indy’s reputation as the city where champions are crowned through this event. This is a tremendous opportunity to engage our community beyond the competition venue and we look forward to providing a top-tier experience to all involved.”
Three temporary pools, two 50-meter and one 25-meter, will be installed over the field in Lucas Oil Stadium, which is a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue that has hosted such prestigious events as the National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Basketball Championship games, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and many others. The Indiana Convention Center, connected to the stadium, will feature USA Swimming’s Toyota Aqua Zone, a can’t-miss fan activation area. The USA Swimming House, a vibrant hospitality hub, will also make its anticipated return and USA Swimming and the Indiana Sports Corp expect to create a city-wide festival throughout the course of the event to celebrate the sport of swimming.
“Indianapolis continues to solidify its place as the top host city in the country,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “One hundred years after the road to swimming in the Paris Summer Olympics went through our city, we’re looking forward to once again highlighting the top athletes in the country. Thanks to the partnership with USA Swimming and Indiana Sports Corp, as well as the team at Lucas Oil Stadium for making this innovative event happen right here in Indianapolis.”
As part of the hosting partnership, USA Swimming and the Indiana Sports Corp will commit a total of $400,000 to Legacy Projects to ensure increased access to water for children in underserved areas of the Indianapolis region. The entities will work with programs and facilities in need of financial and programmatic assistance, with the ultimate goals of promoting the sport of swimming and the life-saving skills of water safety.
Prior to the pandemic, the 2016 Olympic Trials eclipsed all previous attendance marks with nearly 200,000 spectators across 15 sold-out sessions – in a 14,500-seat venue – and a 30 percent increase in tickets sold over 2012. More than 36 million television viewers watched live primetime coverage from the eight nights of Trials on NBC, and the event generated more than $74 million in economic impact for the city of Omaha.
The U.S. Olympic Team Trials for all sports is a collaborative, three-way partnership between the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the National Governing Bodies (NGB) and the local organizing committees.