CYNTHIA POTTER: She IS One in A Thousand
Cynthia Potter, 1987 ISHOF Honoree and 28-time National Champion as a Diver is special. She is One in a Thousand!
When asked why she wanted to join the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s One in A Thousand Club, Potter said, “The Hall of Fame is so special and important to all of us. We have a history we must preserve and there is only one ISHOF. For me personally, I am now among incredible individuals that are part of aquatic history, thanks to ISHOF. The Hall of Fame is the one gift that keeps on giving. Through ISHOF I have created lifelong friendships, that I will treasure forever.”
Join Cynthia and the One in a Thousand Club by helping ISHOF on a monthly or one-time basis.
$10 Monthly Commitment
$25 Monthly Commitment
$50 Monthly Commitment
Make a One-Time Commitment
For larger corporate sponsorships and estate-planning donations, please contact us at customerservice@ishof.org.
CYNTHIA POTTER
FOR THE RECORD: OLYMPIC GAMES: Member of the U.S. Olympic Diving Team 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980; 1976 bronze (springboard); AAU NATIONALS (28): Outdoor (1m 1968 through 1976, 1978; 3m 1971, 1972, 1975, 1976; platform 1970, 1971); Indoor (1m 1969 through 1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979; 3m 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1977); WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1978 silver (springboard); PAN AMERICAN GAMES: 1975 bronze (springboard); WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES: 1970 gold (springboard), silver (platform); World Diver of the Year: 1970, 1971, 1977; Lawrence J. Johnson Award for the “Outstanding U.S. Female Diver”: 1973.
In the sport of women’s diving long dominated by U.S. divers, Cynthia Potter won 28 nationals to become the most winning U.S. woman diver in the sport. She also won 20 gold medals in world competition. She was voted “World Diver of the Year” three times. She was a member of four Olympic Teams, 1968, 1972, 1976 and 1980 and won bronze on the 3-meter springboard in 1976.
Weighing less than 100 pounds, this diminutive dynamo competed in diving for the USA a record 20 years both on springboard and tower. Since hanging up her suit, she has coached diving at SMU and Arizona, been a successful model, lecturer and has acted as ABC-TV and Mutual Radio commentator at a variety of events including the 1984 Olympic Games. A graduate of Indiana University, she dove for Hall of Fame Coach Hobie Billingsley.
Cynthia Potter goes down in history as one of our most durable of lady divers and now, she is “One in A Thousand.”
________________________________________
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.
About ISHOF Take a Virtual Tour
The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) museum opened its doors to the public in December of 1968 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That same year, the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) – the governing body for Olympic aquatic sports – designated the ISHOF museum as the “Official Repository for Aquatic History”. In 2018, Sports Publications Inc, publisher of Swimming World Magazine and its multi-media platforms, merged with ISHOF to expand the museum’s reach and impact. Today, ISHOF’s vision is to be the global focal point for recording and sharing the history of aquatics, promoting swimming as an essential life-skill, and developing educational programs and events related to water sports. Show your support for the sport of swimming by becoming a member of ISHOF.
ISHOF Vision Statement
To be the global focal point for recording and sharing the history of aquatics, promoting swimming as an essential life-skill, and developing educational programs and events related to water sports.
ISHOF Mission Statement
To collaborate with aquatic organizations worldwide to preserve, educate and celebrate history, showcase events, share cultures, and increase participation in aquatic sports.
Architectural rendition of Hall of Fame Aquatic Center that is currently under renovation.
The International Swimming Hall of Fame, Inc. is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, incorporated in the State of Florida. Contributions to ISHOF are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. ISHOF’s tax identification number is 59-1087179. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR FROM THE WEBSITE, www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. You can find out more about us on guidestar.org under International Swimming Hall of Fame, Inc.
Happy Birthday 2003 Honor Swimmer Tom Dolan!
Tom Dolan (USA)
2006 Honor Swimmer
FOR THE RECORD: 1996 OLYMPIC GAMES: gold (400m I.M.), 7th (200m I.M.); 2000 OLYMPIC GAMES: gold (400m I.M.), silver (200m I.M.); TWO WORLD RECORDS: 400m I.M; 1994 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: gold (400m I.M.), 8th (400m freestyle); 1998 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: gold (400m I.M.), 5th (800m freestyle); 1993 PAN PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS: silver (400m I.M.); 1995 PAN PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS: gold (400m, 200m I.M.), silver (200m backstroke, 800m freestyle), 5th (400m freestyle); 14 U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 400 freestyle (3), 800 freestyle (4), 1500 freestyle (1), 200 I.M. (2), 400 I.M. (4); NINE NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 400 I.M. (2), 500 freestyle (2), 1650 free (2), 800 freestyle relay (3); FIVE AMERICAN RECORDS.
Tom Dolan of Curl-Burke Swim Club and the University of Michigan held the 400m I.M. World Record longer than any other swimmer in history, eight years, and that includes Hall of Famers Gary Hall, Sr., Tamas Darnyi, Alex Baumann, Jesse Vassallo, Charlie Hickcox, Dick Roth and Ted Stickles. He is only the second swimmer to win successive 400m I.M. Olympic gold medals (1996, 2000), along with Hungary’s Darnyi. Tom also won the Olympic 200m I.M. silver medal in Sydney.
At 6’6″ tall and with 3% body fat, Tom was diagnosed with Exercise Induced Asthma and a 20% windpipe obstruction, which would side-line the normal person. Tom only trained harder and exhaustion, dizziness and occasional blackouts never stopped him from swimming. Coached by Rick Curl and Jon Urbanchek, Tom also set two world records, won two gold medals in World Championship swimming, won nine NCAA National Championships and 14 U.S. National Championships.
Today, the Tom Dolan Swim School operates two, custom-built, state-of-the-art swim schools in Northern Virginia that teach swimmers from 3 months all the way up to adults. Students learn solid fundamentals that are essential for water-safety, recreational and competitive swimming.
Happy Birthday Tom!
Friday’s Construction Update: September 11, 2020
Friday, September 11, 2020 at the Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex
Construction continues and everyday they are making progress.
Friday, September 11, saw the Dive well getting its concrete pour.
The crew continues to work tirelessly and looks to be right on schedule.
Rain or Sun, they just keep working…….
Cubic Yards of Concrete: 546
Trucks: 61
Hours: 10
More Construction Shots
Thanks to Laura Voet
Happy Birthday Honor Water Polo Player: CARLO SILIPO
Carlo Silipo (ITA)
2014 Honor Water Polo Player
FOR THE RECORD: 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES: gold; 1996 OLYMPIC GAMES: bronze; 2000 OLYMPIC GAMES: participant; 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES: participant; 1994 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: gold; 2003 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: silver; 1993 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS: gold; 1995 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS: gold; 1999 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS: bronze; 2001 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS: silver; 1993 FINA WORLD CUP: silver; 1995 FINA WORLD CUP: silver; 1999 FINA WORLD CUP: silver; 2003 FINA WORLD LEAGUE: silver; 1991 MEDITERRANEAN GAMES: silver; 1993 MEDITERRANEAN GAMES: gold.
He started in water polo with the Rowing Club of Naples, moved up to the famed Club Posillipo and became one of the most important players in Neopolitan and Italian water polo history.
When he joined the national team in 1992, Italy hadn’t won a gold medal in water polo since 1960 and finished a distant sixth in the 1991 World Championships. But it did have Ratko Rudic, the gruff disciplinarian who coached Yugoslavia to its Olympic championships in 1984 and 1988.
Rudic changed the Italian water polo culture. He brought a winning philosophy with him to Italy, and selected a core of young players who were willing to train until they dropped and pummeled their opponent into submission, no matter how long it might take. Carlo Silipo, only 21 years old, bought into the system. At six feet, six inches tall and weighing 210 pounds, he had the physical qualities Rudic was looking for at the center defender position and Silipo became the leader and symbol of Italy’s famed Settebello, or “seven diamonds” for the next fifteen years.
His greatest success came early, when he helped Italy win the gold medal over the home team favorite at the ‘92 Olympics in Barcelona. Behind Silipo’s stellar defense, Italy held a 6-3 lead in the third period and seemed to have the game under control, but Spain rallied behind their flamenco-beat clapping fans, and their superstar, Hall of Famer Manuel Estiarte, to send the game into overtime. With defense the key, Italy ended on top when Gandolfi scored the winning goal in the sixth overtime period.
If there was a more exciting game in Olympic history, it might be the bronze medal match in Atlanta, when Silipo’s Settebello beat the Hungarians, again in overtime.
Playing for CN Posillipo, in the world’s premier professional league, Silipo led his team to seven league championships and scored 574 goals in 462 appearances, a record for a defender. He retired in 2006 and is the fifteenth Italian to enter the Hall of Fame and the eighth for water polo.
“Carlo Silipo is a great role model,” said Paolo Barelli, President of the Italian Swimming Federation. “A leader in the tank, professional in his training, generous with advice and encouragement to his teammates and always congratulatory for his opponents.”
Let’s hear it for yesterday’s Birthday Girl, JILL SUDDUTH!!!
Jill Sudduth (USA)
2012 Honor Synchronized Swimmer
FOR THE RECORD: 1996 OLYMPIC GAMES: gold (team); 1994 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: gold (duet, team); 1989 FINA WORLD CUP: gold (team); 1991 FINA World Cup: gold (team); 1993 FINA WORLD CUP: gold (duet, team); 1995 FINA WORLD CUP: gold (duet, team); 1995 PAN AMERICAN GAMES: gold (duet, team); 1991, 1994 FRENCH OPEN: gold (duet, team); 1991 MALLORCA OPEN: gold (duet, team); 1993 SWISS OPEN: gold (duet, team); 1993 GERMAN OPEN: gold (duet, team); US NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1991: gold (team), silver (duet), 1992: silver (duet, team). 1993: gold (duet, team); FIRST JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPION: duet, team; UNDEFEATED IN DUET COMPETITION BETWEEN 1993 AND 1996 WITH HALL OF FAMER BECKY DYROEN-LANCER; 1993 SWIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE WORLD SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER OF THE YEAR.
Ever since Jill learned to swim at the age of four, she loved synchronized swimming and competed in the sport for 20 years. Upon reaching the National Team, she practiced five to seven hours a day, six days per week and became one of the world’s all-time best synchronized swimmers.
Swimming for world renowned Coach Chris Carver at the Santa Clara Aqua Maids, Jill began winning Junior National titles, and in 1989 she became the Junior World Duet and Team Champion. Finished second in gold medal count for all Americans at the 1994 World Aquatic Championships which includes swimming, diving and water polo.
Over the next four years, she won 16 major international competitions, including the French, German and Swiss Opens, Pan Pacific Championships, the World Cup and the 1991 World Championships Team event. Whenever a routine called for a “bridge”, Jill’s strength made it happen, as well as the strength of eggbeater kicks from the other girls holding her up.
In 1993, Jill was “Swimming World Magazine’s” World Synchronized Swimmer of the Year, and a USSS All-American from 1990 to 1995. In 1994, she was a member of the USA World Championship Team, winning both the team and duet events with her Hall of Fame partner Becky Dyroen-Lancer. Between 1993 and 1996, the duo was undefeated in duet competition.
For the Atlanta Olympic Games of 1996, the solo and duet events were replaced with the team competition. Jill and her teammates received a perfect score of ten in the team event, the first and only perfect score in Olympic synchronized swimming history, until Russia received a ten at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The USA edged out the strong teams from Canada and Japan for the gold medal.
Happy belated Birthday to ELDON GODFREY !!!
Eldon Godfrey (CAN)
2012 Honor Contributor
FOR THE RECORD: FINA HONORARY LIFE MEMBER: 2009 – present; FINA BUREAU MEMBER: 1996 – 2009; UNION AMERICANA DE NATACION (UANA): President (2007-2011), Vice President (1995-1999), Secretary Treasurer (2003-2007), FINA TECHNICAL DIVING COMMITTEE: 1980-1996: Member (1980-1984), Honorary Secretary (1984-1988), Vice Chairman (1988-1996); PRESIDENT CANADIAN AMATEUR DIVING ASSOCIATION: President (1976-1980); AQUATIC FEDERATION OF CANADA: President (1980-1982), Member (1980-1996); 1978 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS CHEF DE MISSION FOR CANADA; DIVING JUDGE AND REFEREE AT OLYMPIC, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS; INTERNATIONAL CLINICIAN.
When this former high school football coach’s daughter, Allison, began competitive diving in 1973, Eldon Godfrey switched allegiance to a whole new sport, and rose to the highest levels of volunteerism. With his organizational skills and insight, within three short years, he was elected president of the Canadian Amateur Diving Association and two years later the Aquatic Federation of Canada on whose committee he remained for 16 years, serving as Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Third FINA World Championships in Berlin.
Extending from national to international participation, Eldon served in every office of the Amateur Swimming Union of the Americas, now known as Union Americana de Natacion. In 2011, he was named Honorary Life President and presented with the R. Max Ritter Award for contributing to the advancement, understanding and good will among nations.
In 1980, he was appointed to the FINA Technical Diving Committee, and served as a Member, and as the Honorary Secretary and Vice Chairman for 16 years. For 13 years, he was elected a member of the FINA Bureau, serving as liaison to the Technical Diving Committee responsible for decision making policies as they affect FINA. He is now a FINA Honorary Life Member.
Eldon has been a regional and international judge and referee at four Olympic Games, four World Championships, eight World Cups, three Pan American Games and other international events. He has received the FINA Gold Pin, Canadian Sports Award, Alberta Achievement Award and the Calgary Booster Club Award. He has never failed to recognize that it all started in Calgary, at the grass roots level, and he continues to judge diving at the local level.
Together with his wife Carlie Jean, they have received Canada’s Irene
McDonald Award for Volunteerism to Diving, for over 40 years of service.
Eldon Godfrey was inducted into ISHOF as an Honor Contributor in 2012. He is also “One in A Thousand”…..Won’t you join him?
https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/international-swimming-hall-of-fame-asks-if-you-are-one-in-a-thousand/
More Labor Day Weekend Construction Photos – Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex Update!!!
Summer 2020 – Building Pools.
Making It Happen
Making Dreams Come True
HENSEL PHELPS and the City of Fort Lauderdale
We hope you are having a great Labor Day weekend. As always special thanks to Laura Hatfield for all her hard work and always keep us up-to-date with the going-ons at the complex and continually providing us these spectacular photos.
Thanks to the City of Fort Lauderdale and to Hensel Phelps for keeping the train moving…..
It won’t be long before this is a distant memory and we are hosting our first big championship meet!
Join the rest of the gang and become One in A Thousand Today!
https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/international-swimming-hall-of-fame-asks-if-you-are-one-in-a-thousand/
Labor Day Weekend 2020 Construction Update from Laura Voet !!!
The Dive Well has seen a lot of work over the Summer.
We have the best team in the business working hard for our community and swimming family!
HENSEL PHELPS
The jobsite will be closed for Labor Day, however the HP team has been working hard all summer building new pools for our City.
Next week, the concrete will be poured for the dive well walls, its an 8-10 hour job and includes an estimated 500 cubic yards of concrete.
A new exfiltration trench is being excavated on the north side of the property down the parking lot, electrical and plumbing work is going in for the pool filtration systems.
Work continues on the north side building foundations and utilities.
Design work continues on the 27M dive tower and south bath house building. Demolition for the south building is estimated to start the beginning of next year, 2021.
Ariel view of the new dive well
Working Hard
After the floor foundations were poured, the work on the walls was next.
Most of the sheet piles have been removed now around the 50-meter pool and plumbing work continues for the filtration system.
Surge tank for main competition pool
The yellow and blue plastic is to protect the sheet piles. The sheet piles will be removed after the concrete has set.
The Boss
SANDRA BUCHA: She’s One in A Thousand !
Sandra Bucha, ISHOF Board Member, Honoree,
Open Water Superstar. She is One in a Thousand!
When asked why she wanted
to join the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s One in A Thousand Club, Bucha
said, “ISHOF signifies the fulfillment of a dream – a dream I never imagined
would be realized. ISHOF preserves the
memory of those who have preceded all of us – whose achievements will serve to
inspire others in future years.
The history of swimming
needs to be preserved. The accomplishments
of our predecessors should always be treasured.
ISHOF does that – and so much more. Our new building will properly
reflect its significance for all who come to visit!
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 Commitment
·
Make a One-Time
Commitment
For larger corporate
sponsorships and estate-planning donations, please contact us at customerservice@ishof.org
SANDRA BUCHA
(USA)
2014 Honor
Open Water Swimmer
FOR THE
RECORD: PROFESSIONAL MARATHON SWIMMING ASSOCIATION WORLD RANKING: 1973 (4th
place), 1974 (2nd place); CHICAGO LAKE FRONT RACE: First Place (1973, 1974,
1975); LA TOQUE 24 HOUR RACE: First Place (1974, 1975); LAC ST. JEAN RACE:
First Place (1974, 1975); LAVAL, CANADA RACE: First Place; ONE AMERICAN RECORD:
200m freestyle, S.C.M.
Like Annette
Kellerman before her, this little girl earned her place in swimming history in
the water and in the courtroom.
Sandra Bucha
had been a top age-grouper in Washington D.C. before her family moved to
Illinois. Swimming under Hall of Fame coach Don Watson, in Hinsdale, she became
an American record holder and national champion. She trained with the boy’s
high school team, as there were no high school swim teams for girls in the
state of Illinois in the 1960’s; Before her senior year, with the support of
her coach and parents, she filed suit against the Illinois High School Athletic
Association to allow her to compete as a member of the boys team. This was before the passage of the Title IX amendment
to the civil rights act. Unfortunately, she
lost the suit. But it was a sign of
things to come.
She decided
to retire from swimming at 18 when she did not make the 1972 Olympic team. She attended Stanford University, which, like
Hinsdale, did not have a women’s swimming team.
Returning
home in the summer of 1973, Sandra saw an ad for a 10-mile swim in Lake
Michigan with a prize purse of $5,000 for the winner and cash awards for second
and third. She had never swum 10 miles straight before, but Sandra thought this
was good time to try. She trained only a couple of weeks and broke the race
record. It was there, at the Lake Michigan swim, where she first discovered
there was a professional circuit in Canada for open water swims.
Sandra Bucha
competed in nine marathon swims between 1973 and 1975 and finished first in every
race. Only once did she come in third to a male and every other swim, she
finished a close second to the first male swimmer. For the two La Toque 24-hour
swims, she teamed up with her high school teammate and Hall of Fame Swimmer,
John Kinsella, to set a record of 190 laps around the lake, winning the race twice.
She won two Lac St. Jean Races (26 miles) and two Laval Canada Swims (10 miles)
and three Lake Michigan Swims (10 miles). Most of her swims were race records
with only three males finishing ahead in her nine races. She retired in 1975 to
pursue a career in law.
Her
accomplishments in the water helped pave the way for thousands of girls and
women to participate in sports. Her
accomplishments in the water helped pave the way for the acceptance of women in
the male dominated sport of marathon swimming and for marathon swimming to
become an Olympic sport.
Sandra
Bucha was ahead of her time in so many ways.
And now, she is “One in A Thousand.”
Won’t you join her?
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.
About ISHOF Take a Virtual Tour
The International
Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) museum opened its doors to the public in December
of 1968 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That same year, the Fédération
Internationale de Natation (FINA) – the governing body for Olympic aquatic
sports – designated the ISHOF museum as the “Official Repository for Aquatic
History”. In 2018, Sports Publications Inc, publisher of Swimming
World Magazine and its multi-media platforms, merged with ISHOF to
expand the museum’s reach and impact. Today, ISHOF’s vision is to be the
global focal point for recording and sharing the history of aquatics, promoting
swimming as an essential life-skill, and developing educational programs and
events related to water sports. Show your support for the sport of
swimming by becoming a member of ISHOF.
ISHOF Vision Statement
To be the global focal point for recording and sharing the history of aquatics,
promoting swimming as an essential life-skill, and developing educational
programs and events related to water sports.
ISHOF Mission Statement
To collaborate with aquatic organizations worldwide to preserve, educate and
celebrate history, showcase events, share cultures, and increase participation
in aquatic sports.
Passages: William ‘Bill’ Yorzyk, 1956 Olympic Champion in 200 Butterfly
by JOHN LOHN – ASSOCIATE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
02 September 2020, 07:20pm
Passages: William ‘Bill’ Yorzyk, 1956 Olympic Champion in 200 Butterfly
The sport of swimming lost a giant on Wednesday when William “Bill” Yorzyk, the first Olympic champion in the dolphin-kick version of the butterfly, died at 87. A 1971 inductee into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Yorzyk was born on May 29, 1933, but he did not travel the typical path of an internationally acclaimed swimmer, as he was a late entry to the sport.
According to his ISHOF biography, Yorzyk was a beginner when he enrolled at Springfield College as a 16-year-old. However, that delayed introduction to the competitive scene hardly deterred Yorzyk on his march to the Hall of Fame. Under the guidance of coach Charles “Red” Silvia, Yorzyk showed great potential and developed on a yearly basis. By his junior year of college, he was an All-American, and bigger accomplishments were to come.
Bill Yorzyk getting inducted with Johnny Weissmuller & Buck Dawson. Photo Courtesy: ISHOF Archives
With the breaststroke and butterfly split for the first time at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Yorzyk etched his name in history by capturing the 200 butterfly Down Under. Yorzyk covered his four laps in a world-record time of 2:19.3, which supplied a convincing triumph over Japan’s Takashi Ishimoto (2:23.8) and Hungary’s Gyorgy Tumpek (2:23.9). He was the only male gold medalist for the United States.
By capturing gold in the 200 butterfly, Yorzyk jumpstarted a spectacular tradition in the event for the United States. He has been joined as an Olympic champion in the discipline by legends such as Mike Troy, Carl Robie, Mark Spitz, Mike Bruner, Mel Stewart, Tom Malchow and Michael Phelps.
Bill Yorzyk visiting the Hall of Fame. Photo Courtesy: ISHOF Archives
At Springfield College, Yorzyk could only train in a 20-yard pool, but he clearly made the most of his training environment. Yorzyk was a multi-time world-record setter and complemented his Olympic title with national crowns. Yorzyk also excelled in the 400 individual medley.
Yorzyk went into medicine after his career and was a successful doctor who made sure his coach received credit for his guidance. After graduating from Springfield College, he attended medical school at the University of Toronto and twice won the school’s scholar-athlete award. He served as a captain in the United States Air Force medical corps.
“You’ll find it nailed to the wall (at Linkletter Natatorium),” he said of his gold medal in an interview with MassLive. “I gave it to the college out of gratitude because Springfield and Red Silvia did so much for me. Besides, I feel that seeing the medal might inspire some of the young athletes on campus.”
William “Bill” Yorzyk – ISHOF Biography