Brian Goodell vs. Vladimir Salnikov: ‘The Duel We Missed’ Receiving Academy Award Consideration
by John Lohn – Editor-in-Chief
21 November 2025
Brian Goodell vs. Vladimir Salnikov: ‘The Duel We Missed’ Documentary Receiving Academy Award Consideration
Documentary films, at their core, take a deep dive into a specific topic. They are detailed. They offer emotion. They introduce engaging characters and storylines. They take the viewer behind a curtain, often revealing elements of a tale that were never before presented, or might have gone overlooked.
“The Duel We Missed” checks those boxes.
Under consideration by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for a potential Oscar nomination in the documentary category, “The Duel We Missed” thoroughly and emotionally examines a tantalizing showdown that never materialized in the sport of swimming. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the United States’ Brian Goodell and the Soviet Union’s Vladimir Salnikov were the premier distance-freestyle swimmers in the world, and a clash between the men was expected at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.
However, due to political interference, a duel between Goodell and Salnikov – with both men at the peak of their powers – was left to the imagination. “The Duel We Missed” delves deeply into the careers of Goodell and Salnikov, and their shared chase to become the first athlete in history to swim the 1500-meter freestyle in under 15 minutes. The documentary, produced by Bravo Films and directed by Ilnur Rafikov and Edward Staroselsky, also examines several complementary storylines – the political influence and boycotts of the 1980 and 1984 Olympics, athlete mentality, training of the era and the respect developed among individuals with like-minded goals.
At the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, where the United States men won all but one gold medal in the 13 events contested, Goodell stormed to victory in the 400 and 1500 freestyle events, world records established in both. In the 1500 freestyle, Goodell was timed in 15:02.40, not far off the 15-minute barrier that was a target. Salnikov, a rising 16-year-old at the time, was fifth in the Montreal final, and while he finished off the podium, his prodigious talent suggested big things to come, including a rivalry with Goodell.
However, in the years ahead, multiple factors prevented Goodell and Salnikov from meeting while the men were at the top of their prowess. Goodell missed the 1978 World Championships, where Salnikov won gold medals in the 400 freestyle and 1500 freestyle, the longer event not far off Goodell’s world record. And as the 1980 Olympics neared, a hammer dropped on a potential duel in Moscow when U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced the United States would boycott the Games due to the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.
Through the use of current-day interviews, highlighted by Goodell and Salnikov, “The Duel We Missed” takes both a wide-ranging and topic-specific look at the era. The feelings of Goodell and Salnikov were repeatedly shared, and their status in the sport was examined, including through the lens of Hall of Fame coach Mark Schubert, who was the mentor of Goodell. Also weighing in were Olympians John Naber and Rowdy Gaines, each sharing a perspective. Naber won three gold medals during his Team USA days and transitioned into a broadcasting career, which allowed him to interact with Salnikov and hear the Soviet star state that he was not a “true champion” without competing in a fully attended Olympic Games.
As for Gaines, now known as the Voice of Swimming for his work with NBC Sports, he provided personal stories about how the boycott impacted his life and career. Ultimately, Gaines returned to training after a brief retirement and won three gold medals at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, and he spoke about seeing his dream through. Yet, Gaines also poignantly discussed the heartache of the Olympic hopefuls who did not get their chance on the biggest stage in sports.
Vladimir Salnikov. Photo Courtesy: Dutch National Archives
The documentary, which was perfectly organized, spanned 1976-1988, as it examined Salnikov dealing with the Soviet Union’s retaliatory boycott of the 1984 Games and his triumphant return to win gold in the 1500 freestyle at the 1988 Games in Seoul. The film also provided footage of Salnikov cracking the 15-minute barrier for the first time, an accomplishment that will live on as a distinguished achievement in the sport.
Among other standout moments from the documentary:
Footage and interviews from a Soviet Union trip to the United States which allowed for training under Schubert’s guidance. The memories shared from this time were genuine and both illustrated respect among athletes, and how the Soviet Union learned about the intensity of Schubert’s workouts in Mission Viejo, California.
Schubert, in this current era, telling Goodell that he wished he had not retired following the boycott, and Goodell stating that he had a few reservations about his decision as the 1984 Games neared.
The playing of the Soviet national anthem following Salnikov’s victory at the 1988 Olympics, one of the final times the anthem was played before the breakup of the USSR. More, the story of Salnikov being lauded by his fellow athletes in the dining hall in Seoul on the night of his 1500 freestyle victory elicited goosebumps, and emphasized the appreciation Olympians share for each other.
The illustrations and graphics used during the documentary were sensational, providing the feel of a comic book and celebrating the individuals and moments featured.
The emotion expressed throughout the 90-minute documentary was tremendous. Tears flowed. Words were sometimes difficult to find. Admiration was constantly evident.
A phone call late in the film between Goodell, Schubert and Salnikov was a wonderful touch, and further emphasized the respect that permeated the film and the careers of all three men.
“The Duel We Missed” is an extraordinary film, exactly what a special documentary should be. Years of work, research and interviews went into making this film and bringing the story of Goodell and Salnikov to viewers. Swim fans, especially those with an understanding of the rich history of the sport, will appreciate it. But casual viewers will also find themselves engaged, enraptured by a story that has emotion, intensity, goal-chasing and more.
Sadly, a showdown between Brian Goodell and Vladimir Salnikov in their prime was missed. But “The Duel We Missed” pays beautiful homage to the athletes and the era, and what might have been.
Michelle Ford, David Theile, Sir Frank Beaurepaire and Matthew Cowdrey Inducted Into Swimming Australia Hall Of Fame
MOSCOW GOLDEN GIRL: Michelle Ford’s magical Moscow gold in the 800m freestyle. Photo Russ McPhedran (Michelle Ford Collection)
by Ian Hanson – Oceania Correspondent
15 November 2025
Michelle Ford, David Theile, Sir Frank Beaurepaire and Matthew Cowdrey Inducted Into Swimming Australia Hall Of Fame
Olympic gold medallists Michelle Ford and David Theile, prolific Paralympic gold medallist Matthew Cowdrey and six time Olympic medallist Sir Frank Beaurepaire have been inducted into the Swimming Australia Hall of Fame.
The 2025 Swimming Australia Awards yesterday celebrated the latest Hall of Fame inductees, recognising the extraordinary achievements of four legends of Australian Swimming.
Beaurepaire (Dolphin #3), arguably the greatest freestyler across three decades, breaking 14 world records; Cowdrey (Dolphin #P224) Australia’s most successful Paralympian with 13 gold medals across three Para Games; Australia’s first two-time back-to-back Olympic gold medal winning backstroker Theile (Dolphin #103) and Australia’s only individual Olympic gold medallist from the 1980 Moscoe Games in Michelle Ford (Dolphin #254) –
The foursome joining a who’s who of the sport – initial inductees Freddie Lane, Fanny Durack, Dawn Fraser, Shane Gould and Ian Thorpe (2022); Lorraine Crapp, Murray Rose, Suzie O’Neill (2023) and Boy Charlton, Pfriya Cooper and Kieren Perkins (2024).
DAVID THEILE AO
Born: January 17, 1938
For the record (Olympic Games):
Melbourne (1956): Gold (100m backstroke);Rome (1960): Gold (100m backstroke), silver (4x100m medley relay);Queensland and Australian Junior Champion: 1947Australian Champion: 1955.Australian Records: 1955 (100m Backstroke).
BACK-TO-BACK: Australia’d David Theile wins his second Olympic 100m backstroke gold in Rome. Pic tired with US silver medallist Frank McKinney (left) and bronze medallist Bob Bennett.Phoyo Courtesy Wikipedia.
2025 Hall Of Fame David Theile Photo Courtesy Swimming Australia
At the 1960 Rome Olympics, David became the only swimmer other than a freestyler to win gold medals in two successive Olympics since World War II, winning back-to-back 100m backstroke gold medals in both the 1956 Melbourne home Olympics and 1960 Olympic Games.
He began competitive swimming aged nine and became the Queensland and Australian Junior backstroke Champion at 16, before beginning a five-year reign as the Australian open champion in 1955, at 17.
When Thiele set the Australian 100m backstroke record at 1:07.4 in 1955, he broke a 17-year-old record set in the year he was born – 1938, (1:07.8 by Percy Oliver).
Thiele won the 100m backstroke crown at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics in world and Olympic record time, 1:02.2. In Rome four years later, he lowered his Olympic record to 1:01.9 for a second gold medal and was part of the Australian silver medal medley relay.
Inducted into Sport Australia Hall Of Fame: 1985
Inducted into International Swimming Hall Of Fame: 1968
SIR FRANK BEAUREPAIRE
Born: May 13, 1891; Died: May 29, 1956; Age: 65
For the record (Olympic Games): London (1908) Silver, 400m freestyle; bronze, 1500m freestyle; Antwerp (1920) Silver, 4x200m freestyle relay); bronze, 1500m freestyle); Paris (1924): Silver (4x200m freestyle relay; bronze, 1500m freestyle.World Records (14): 200m, 500m, 1000m, 1 mile freestyle);
FREESTYLE LEGEND: Sr Frank Beaurepaire.Photo Courtesy Herald Sun.
Often recognised as the greatest swimmer across several eras in the early 1920s, Frank Beaurepaire swam the trudgen stroke in a competitive career that lasted from 1903 to 1924. Winning a total of six Olympic medals, – three silver and three bronze – across three Olympics (1908, 1929, 1924) a span of 16 years. The last – a second bronze in the 1500m behind Australian gold medallist Andrew “Boy” Charlton in Paris, 1924. Beaurepaire was 33.
In a remarkable career, Beaurepaire set five world records from 200m to 500m in 1910, his best year, but was still setting records 11 years later, this time in the 1000m and the mile. In 1910 he toured Europe undefeated.
In all he set 15 world records over a 13-year span, winning 34 Australian titles, 79 Victorian titles and 11 British Championships.
Beaurepaire or “Bogey” as he was known, won more than 200 first class swimming championships and his fastest times were done when he was past 30 and his career could have seen him achieve so much more. He was banned from the 1912 Games for earning money as a swimming teacher, robbing him of further honours, returning to the Olympic stage again in 1920 and 1924.
Beaurepaire became Melbourne’s Lord Mayor and was a principal organizer of the 1956 Olympics. He died of a heart attack in a barber shop in the middle of a typically full day in May 1956, just 5 months before “his” Olympic Games.
Inducted into Sport Australia Hall Of Fame and Inducted into International Swimming Hall Of Fame in 1967
MICHELLE FORD-ERIKSSON MBE
Born: July 15, 1962
For the record….
Olympic Games: Moscow (1980) Gold, 800m Freestyle; bronze, 200m Butterfly); Two World Records (800m freestyle)
Commonwealth Games: Edmonton (1978): Gold, 200m butterfly; silver 400m and 800m freestyle; bronze, 200m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle relay);
Brisbane (1982): Gold, 200m Butterfly; silver, 800m freestyle, Won Four Australian National Championships in the 200m butterfly
THRILLED: Michelle Ford on the gold medal podium. Photo Courtesy Russ McPhedran (Michelle Ford Collection)
2025 HALL OF FAME Michelle Ford Photo Courtesy Swimming Australia.
At age 13 Michelle broke nine records, six NSW State and three Australian – all in three days. Two of those records were by held by Hall of Famer Shane Gould and world champion Jenny Turrall.
That same year she earned a spot on the 1976 Olympic team, the second youngest Australian ever to do so.
Just one year later, Michelle set her first world record in the 800 freestyle. Little did she know her times in the 800 freestyle would someday beat the times swum earlier by the immortal Murray Rose and John Konrads.
Michelle continued her winning streak at the 1978 Commonwealth Games, taking a gold in the 200 butterfly, two silvers in the 400 and 800m freestyle and two bronze medals in the 200 freestyle and 4x100m freestyle relay.
But Michelle Ford’s greatest feat came in the boycotted Moscow 1980 Olympics under extraordinary circumstances following Russia’s invasion of Afghanistan.
Winning the gold medal in the 800 freestyle and conquering the might and power of her East German opponents adding bronze in the 200 butterfly.
A Games that became shrouded in a political firestorm following demands from the Australian government to boycott the Games.
But a defiant Olympic team that left Australian shores in 1980 under a cloak of darkness, heading off to secret training camps receiving death threats and branded as traitors as they prepared for the Games.
Their blazers hidden in their luggage with a coat of arms tucked away rather than sitting proudly on their chests, many of them teenagers, like Michelle Ford, thrust into the middle of a political stoush that would define their sporting futures – but remaining unrecognised by the Australian Government for 50 years.
“Competing in the Olympics helped define everything I am today,” said Ford who that year was named Amateur Athlete of the Year.
Her name etched in gold in Moscow as an Australian woman did not win another Olympic gold in swimming for 16 years – when Susie O’Neill triumphed the 200m butterfly in Atlanta in 1996.
Inducted into Sport Australia Hall Of Fame: 1985; Inducted into International Swimming Hall Of Fame: 1994
MATT COWDREY OAM MP
Born: December 28, 1988
For the record (Paralympic Games): Athens (2004): 3 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze; Beijing (2008): 5 gold, 3 silver; London (2012): 5 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze
Commonwealth Games (3) Melbourne (2006): 2 gold; New Delhi (2010): 1 gold; Glasgow (2014): 1 silver
Inducted into Sport Australia Hall Of Fame: 2019
SIMPLY TGHE BEST: Matthew Cordrey. Photo Courtesy: Swimming Australia
Born with a congenital amputation of his lower arm, Matthew Cowdrey clinched his first Paralympic gold medal as a 15-year-old at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games which launched his decade-long domination in the pool.
Growing into one of the most influential athletes within the Australian Paralympic movement by the time he retired.
In addition to his 23 Paralympic medals (13 gold, seven silver, three bronze), he won 21 medals at three World Championships (16 gold, three silver, two bronze), and broke dozens of world records – his first at just 13.
During Matthew’s prolific eleven-year para-swimming career, his tremendous talent saw him develop into an influential athlete who played an instrumental role in raising awareness of the Paralympic movement within Australia.
His strength in the 100m freestyle and 200m individual medley events earned him 57 international medals including 23 world championship and three Commonwealth Games gold medals.
By his retirement at the age of 26-years-old, Cowdrey had become the most decorated Australian Paralympian in history, with a total of 23 Paralympic medals including 13 gold across three Paralympic Games.
He left para-swimming holding five world records, five Paralympic records and nine short-course world records.
Matthew retired in 2015 at just 26 years old, but even at such a young age, stood as the most prolific Australian Paralympian in history, having won a total of 23 Paralympic medals including 13 gold.
Matt was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (2005), Australian Paralympian of the Year (2008) and Young South Australian of the Year (2009).
He also established a notable career since the London 2012 Paralympic Games, where he eclipsed Paralympic runner Tim Sullivan’s record of 10 gold medals. Today, Cowdrey is a Member of Parliament for Colton, SA.
2025 Hall Of Fame Matt Cowdrey Photo Courtesy Swimming Australia
Happy Birthday Jason Lezak!!
Country: USA
Honoree Type: Swimmer
FOR THE RECORD: 2000 OLYMPIC GAMES: gold (4×100m medley), silver (4×100m freestyle); 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES: gold (4×100m medley), bronze (4×100m freestyle); 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES: gold (4×100m freestyle, 4×100m medley), bronze (100m freestyle); 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES: silver (4×100m freestyle); 2003 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (LC): gold (4×100m medley), silver (4×100m freestyle); 2005 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (LC): gold (4×100m freestyle, 4×100m medley); 2007 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (LC): gold medal (4×100m freestyle); 2011 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (LC): bronze (4×100m freestyle); 2002 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (SC): gold (4×100m freestyle, 4×100m medley); 2004 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (SC): gold (100m freestyle, 4×100m freestyle, 4×100m medley); 2006 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS (SC): silver (4×100m medley), bronze (4×100m freestyle);
From the beginning, Jason Lezak showed great promise in the pool, but he constantly butted heads with his coach, Dave Salo, over his commitment to training. Recruited to swim at UC Santa Barbara, Jason’s problems with authority continued until coach Gregg Wilson finally dismissed him from the team. This was the wake-up call he needed. He loved to swim and compete, and after promising to improve his training habits, he rejoined the team. In his Senior year, he was named Big West Conference Swimmer of the Year,
At the 2000 Olympic Trials, Jason finished fourth in the 100m freestyle. While he failed to qualify individually, his result was good enough to make the 4x100m freestyle relay team, an event Team USA had never lost in the Olympic Games. In Sydney, the Australians pulled off the unexpected upset in their home pool and the USA settled for the silver.
Over the next four years, Jason was the top sprinter in the world, and at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials in Long Beach, he qualified for the Olympic Games in both the 50m and 100m freestyle.
In Athens, the US freestyle relay team was trying to win back the title it had lost in Sydney four years earlier. Instead, they finished third behind South Africa and the Netherlands. The next day Jason did not swim as well as expected and failed to reach the semi-finals. Individually Jason finished fifth in the 50. Success came when he swam the freestyle leg behind Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen, and Ian Crocker to win the medley relay gold medal, in world record time.
In 2006, Dave Salo left Irvine to take the coaching job at USC, leaving Jason without a coach. He began coaching himself and proved by qualifying for his third Olympic Games that he had the discipline to train daily without a team or trainer at his side.
When he finished second in the 100m freestyle at the Olympic Trials in Omaha, he was 32 years old, the oldest male swimmer to make the team and was selected by his teammates as a captain.
At the 2008 Games in Beijing, his first event was the 4x100m freestyle relay. The USA hadn’t won this race since 1996 and this time the USA was not the favorite. That distinction belonged to the team from France, with 100m world record holder, Alain Bernard as its anchorman. Swimming last, and starting nearly a fully body length behind, Jason chased down Bernard in the final 20 yards to win the gold medal by eight-one-hundredths of a second. Jason’s split time of 46.06, is still the fastest 100m split in history.
The next day, Jason won bronze in the 100m freestyle for the first individual Olympic medal of his career. On the final day of competition, he anchored the USA’s world record setting medley relay that gave Michael Phelps his historic eighth gold medal.
Continuing to swim on his own after Beijing, Jason passed up the opportunity to compete in the World Championships to participate in the Maccabiah Games in Israel, where he won four gold medals and celebrated his heritage as a Jewish athlete.
In 2012, at the age of 36, Jason qualified for his fourth Olympic team by finishing sixth at the Olympic Trials in the 100 free. In London, he swam in the preliminaries and helped earn a spot in the final for the silver medal winning U.S. team. In doing so, he became the first male swimmer in Olympic history to win four medals in the same event, in the 4×100m freestyle relay, in four consecutive Olympic games.
Jason ended his Olympic career with a total of eight medals, four gold, two silver and two bronze. Today, Jason is a proud husband and father of three and a popular motivational speaker who is successfully balancing his family life with business opportunities.
The information on this page was written the year of their induction
Throwback Thursday: When Cesar Cielo Captured Olympic Gold and the Beautiful Emotional Aftermath (Video)
by John Lohn – Editor-in-Chief
06 November 2025, 01:29am
In this edition of Throwback Thursday, we look back at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, when Brazilian Cesar Cielo confirmed his status as the world’s fastest man in water. It was a night that also featured a flood of emotions.
The easy part was the race, as crazy as that suggestion sounds. From experience, Cesar Cielo knew exactly what he needed to do to claim an Olympic title. Nail the start. Execute the breakout. Stay strong through the finish. Over and over, Cielo and coach Brett Hawke reviewed the finer details of the 50-meter freestyle.
So, as Cielo stepped onto the starting block for the final of the one-lap sprint at the Water Cube, the 21-year-old was awash in confidence. In peak form, Cielo eased through the preliminary round as the second-fastest performer, and then delivered the top mark of the semifinals. At that point, a little more than 21 seconds separated Cielo from completing a dream that only a few athletes realize.
Blazing a time of 21.30, Cielo comfortably mined gold. The Brazilian’s mark handed him a decisive triumph over silver medalist Amaury Leveaux of France, who touched in 21.45, and bronze medalist Alain Bernard, whose performance of 21.49 gave France two athletes on the podium.
A standout at Auburn University, Cielo advanced to the final of the 50 freestyle at the 2007 World Championships in Melbourne, finishing sixth. That showing proved Cielo belonged with the elite sprinters in the sport, and he was able to take his dominance in the American collegiate ranks and turn it into Olympic gold.
“I did it. It was my best race ever,” Cielo said in Beijing. “Today was my lucky day. The sun shone on me. I’m so overwhelmed with emotion. I gave up a lot for this medal. I never saw my family.”
The difficult part of the evening, in the most endearing way, was Cielo’s battle with his post-race emotions. As he stood on the podium and watched the Brazilian flag rise to the rafters as his nation’s anthem played, Cielo was overjoyed. He, too, was overcome, with tears streaming down his cheeks and sobs jolting his body.
Cognizant of the moment, the fans inside the venue rallied around Cielo. Some clapped. Some cheered. All provided support. Earlier in the evening, Cielo wowed those in attendance with a brilliant outing, and now the fans were going to applaud his talent and pay him back by carrying the Brazilian through the medals ceremony.
World records and induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame also dotted Cielo’s career, a legendary span that elevated the world of sprinting. That night in Beijing was a special highlight.
Read Cesar Cielo’s bio here
November Featured Honoree: Pete Desjardins (USA) and his Memorabilia
Each month ISHOF will feature an Honoree and some of their aquatic memorabilia, that they have so graciously either given or loaned to us. Since we are closed, and everything is in storage, we wanted to still be able to highlight some of the amazing artifacts that ISHOF has and to be able to share these items with you.(USA) and his Memorabilia.
We continue in November 2025, with 1966 ISHOF Honoree, Pete Desjardins (USA) Honor Diver. Pete donated many fabulous things to ISHOF, and we want to share some of them with you now. Also below is his ISHOF Honoree bio that was written the year he was inducted.
Pete wore this suit when he competed and won the Silver Medal at the 1924 Olympics
Transition from Olympian to Entrepreneur – ISHOF Honoree Lenny Krayzelburg – with Greg McDonough “The Chief Endurance Officer” – Episode # 130
October 10, 2025
How do you carry the endurance mindset from sports into business and life? In this episode, host Greg McDonough sits down with four-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer and entrepreneur Lenny Krayzelburg to explore how lessons from the pool translate into success beyond athletics. From growing up in the Soviet Union to immigrating to the U.S., achieving Olympic glory, and building businesses that impact communities, Lenny shares how perseverance, preparation, and trusting your instincts can shape both personal and professional growth. Along the way, Lenny offers advice on goal-setting, maintaining optimism, and building a supportive network while reflecting candidly on the challenges of youth sports and parental pressure.
Takeaways:
Trust your instincts and learn from mistakes. Ignoring your gut can often lead to missed opportunities.
Focus on short-term, achievable goals to build confidence and momentum toward larger ambitions.
Draw strength from formative life experiences, using them to shape resilience and perspective in your leadership.
Plan ahead for transitions by building strong relationships and leveraging your network for guidance.
Invest in teaching goal-setting and resilience early, whether with your team or the next generation.
Create community-driven initiatives that align wellness, purpose, and business impact for long-term growth.
Quote of the Show:
” I might have a vision, but if I don’t treat people the right way, or establish the right culture, they’re not gonna be able to execute the vision and the mission that we have as an organization .” – Lenny Krayzelburg
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennykrayzelburg/
Company website: https://www.swimrightacademy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lennyk4g/?hl=en
Oceanman Website: https://oceanmanswim.com/
Email: lenny@oceanmanswim.com
Ways to Tune In:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/580aLDKac1ld031W4nWDtp
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-endurance-officer/id1680214218?uo=4
Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2NoaWVmLWVuZHVyYW5jZS1vZmZpY2Vy
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c96880f-8dcd-4a6e-b1c8-fda816f872a9
Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4340732
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/show/5897357
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/series-3462719
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-5250102
Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/chief-endurance-officer-ringmaster-KMdv2I8XwkN/
2011 Honor Swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg. Read his bio below.
Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Details Partnership with ISHOF Honoree Dara Torres, Boston College
by Matthew De George – Senior Writer
19 October 2025
Celtics All-Star forward Jaylen Brown incorporated an aquatic regimen to his offseason this year, working with Boston College coach Dara Torres.
Brown discussed the training during a recent interview with NBC Sports Boston on the Celtics preseason media day.
Celtics athletic trainer Drew Moore reached out to BC to see if someone on Torres’ staff would be interested in helping one of their players. It turned out to be Brown, the four-time All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP.
Torres, a 12-time Olympic medalist about to start her second season as the head coach of the Eagles’ men’s and women’s teams, volunteered. She worked first with Brown in a therapy pool at the Celtics’ Auerbach Center team complex before relocating to BC’s Margot Connell Recreation Center pool about two miles away.
Brown went from a couple of workouts with Torres and assistant coach Chris Morgan to several weeks of multiple days of training.
“Just to perfect my form in the water,” Brown said. “Try to master your efficiency, no wasted movement. I feel like the better swimmer you are is an analogy to life. You don’t want no wasted movement, no drag, no extra. You want to just be able to get from Point A to Point B as easy as possible.”
Brown, who turns 29 this month, stands 6-6 and 223 pounds. He’s been remarkably durable in his NBA career since the Celtics took him No. 3 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft out of Cal, playing in at least 57 games in all nine of his pro seasons, though he was recovering this summer from surgery to repair a partially torn meniscus in his knee.
He averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 63 games last season, perhaps somewhat hampered by the meniscus. He has averaged 19.3 points in 135 career playoff games, winning an NBA title in 2024.
He and Torres worked on learning new techniques with apparatuses like fins and snorkels. Torres was impressed by his aerobic capacity to start with as well as his attention to detail. Brown had a fixation on making sure he was improving his technique in each workout.
“He could see the mistakes that he made at the beginning, and then the corrections that he made afterwards,” Torres said. “You can see how much more efficient he was as he made those changes.”
Video of Brown’s training and his interview is available at NBC Sports Boston.
Every Child A Swimmer Continuing to Grow – New York added ~ California up next!
Creating a Unified National Message: Together We’re Turning Awareness into ActionDrowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1–4—and it is entirelypreventable. The Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS) program is changing that reality by advancinglegislation nationwide that gives parents the life-saving knowledge they need to keep childrensafe in and around water.
Originally passed in Florida in 2021, the Every Child a Swimmer law requires that parents orguardians receive water safety information at the time of school enrollment. This simpleapproach ensures families are educated about risk factors associated with drowning, theimportance of swim lessons, and where to find local resources. By turning schools into trustedmessengers for prevention, this legislation helps close the awareness gap that too often leadsto tragedy.
Since its passage in Florida, the ECAS model has gained extraordinary momentum. Georgia,Arkansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington State, and now New York and California have allenacted or adopted versions of the Every Child a Swimmer legislation. Each new law representsanother life-saving victory—and another step toward creating a generation of safer, strongerswimmers.
A Milestone Moment in New YorkOn September 26, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed New York’s “Every Child a Swimmer” billinto law, making the state the latest to join this vital movement. Beginning in the 2026–2027school year, every New York school will provide parents with water safety information atenrollment—an initiative expected to reach millions of families statewide.
“This is a monumental victory for every child and family in New York,” said Brendan O’Melveny,Founder of the New York Water Safety Coalition, the group that championed the bill. “We’reproud that New York has become one of the first states to join this national effort to protectour children.”
Casey McGovern, Executive Director of the Every Child a Swimmer Foundation, shared heartfeltgratitude for the collaboration that made the law possible: “Drowning is preventable, and thislaw is a powerful step forward in educating parents about the risk factors and providing themwith the knowledge to keep their children safe. Together, we are changing the narrative andbuilding a generation of safer, stronger swimmers.”
Legislative sponsors Senator Cordell Cleare and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelynwere also recognized for their leadership in championing this life-saving measure. SenatorCleare noted that the law “will be empowering in many ways, including by addressing the greatinequity in drowning incidents that disproportionately affects Black children, youth, andadults.”
The growing success of Every Child a Swimmer reflects the power of unity—among publicofficials, nonprofits, advocates, aquatics industry, and the pool industry—working togethertoward a shared purpose. As McGovern emphasizes, “This is about accountability, equity, andimpact—ensuring all families, regardless of circumstance, have access to life-saving educationand resources.”
As California prepares to implement its newly signed version of the bill, ECAS and its partnersremain committed to one goal: expanding this legislation across all 50 states.We are deeply grateful to every community partner helping us create a unified message ofprevention, education, and hope—because every child deserves the chance to be a swimmer.
Dive Into Purpose: Local Leaders Unite Philanthropy, Health, and Water Safety at ISHOF
On November 18th, the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) will host Dive Into Purpose — an evening that brings together leading voices in philanthropy, health, and education for a powerful roundtable conversation on giving with impact.
Presented by Fiduciary Trust International (FTI), the event will feature leaders from the Dan Marino Foundation, Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS), the Community Foundation of Broward, and the Autism Society of Florida. Together, they’ll explore how collaboration across causes like autism support, children’s health, and water safety can create meaningful, lasting change.
Set against the backdrop of ISHOF’s signature Dive Show, and attended by many of South Florida’s most engaged philanthropists, Dive Into Purpose will highlight how partnerships between nonprofits, community leaders, and the private sector can inspire generosity and strengthen our community.
“This evening is about bringing people together who care deeply about making a difference — and showing what happens when we align philanthropy with purpose,” said Matt McKean, Wealth Director at Fiduciary Trust International and event moderator. “It’s an opportunity to spark ideas, connect changemakers, and inspire a culture of giving.”
“We’re honored to host this event at ISHOF, which sits at the heart of our community’s legacy in swimming and water safety,” said Amy Cumming, Executive Director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. “By joining forces with organizations like the Dan Marino Foundation and ECAS, we can extend that mission to reach even more families.”
The Olympic Showdown Of Matt Biondi and Tom Jager in Inaugural 50 Freestyle (Video)
by JOHN LOHN – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Olympic Showdown Of Matt Biondi and Tom Jager in Inaugural 50 Freestyle
There is something special about being identified as the fastest person on the planet in a specific endeavor. Usain Bolt, the Jamaican track legend, holds the distinction on land. In the water, the honor currently belongs to Brazilian Cesar Cielo.
From the mid-1980s into the early 1990s, there was no doubt about the fastest men in the pool. Outside of one another, the United States’ Matt Biondi and Tom Jager had no peers. Instead, they volleyed ownership of the 50-meter freestyle back and forth. During that timeframe, they combined for nine world records (six for Jager) and took the record in the one-lap sprint from 22.40 to 21.81.
They battled at the World Championships and at Nationals on several occasions, but it was their showdown at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul that defined their rivalry. With the event on the Olympic program for the first time, Biondi and Jager each had the chance to make history. Ultimately, it was Biondi who stood on the top step of the podium.
Although Jager was the reigning world champion, having defeated Biondi in 1986 in Madrid, there was little separating the Americans as they prepared to race. An argument could be made, however, that Biondi had greater momentum based on his march toward seven medals (five gold) in Seoul.
Off the blocks in Seoul, Biondi and Jager were deadlocked, and found themselves in a showdown when they hit the midway point. But as the race unfolded, Biondi was strongest down the stretch and touched in a world-record time of 22.14. That performance sliced .04 off the previous standard, the 22.18 produced by South African Peter Williams earlier in the year. Williams was ineligible to compete at the Seoul Games due to the International Olympic Committee’s ban of his nation due to its apartheid practices. That ban was lifted ahead of the 1992 Olympics.
Jager, who went on to retain his world title in 1991, picked up the silver medal in 22.36, with the Soviet Union’s Gennadiy Prigoda the bronze medalist in 22.71. At the touch, Biondi looked to the scoreboard and unleashed a wild celebration that included several fist pumps and splashes. It was clear the triumph was long desired.
“The 50 free was it for me,” Biondi said during a past interview with Swimming World. “I have a picture of my reaction and it was the most jubilant I’d ever been. It was a world record. That swim made it for me.”