Happy Birthday JUDY McGOWAN !!!
2009 Honor Contributor/Synchronized Swimming
FOR THE RECORD: 55 YEARS A COMPETITOR, COACH, JUDGE, ADMINISTRATOR IN SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING; MEMBER FINA TECHNICAL SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING COMMITTEE: 1984 1996 (Chairman 1984 1992); MEMBER ASUA TECHNICAL SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING COMMITTEE: 1979 – 1984; EDITOR AND PRIMARY AUTHOR OF FIRST INTERNATIONAL TRAINING MANUEL FOR SYNCHRO JUDGES: 1979; EDITED FIRST FINA JUDGING MANUEL (1988); CHAIRED FINA – TSSC AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DEGREES OF DIFFICULTY; DEVELOPED FIRST VIDEO TAPE SERIES FOR TRAINING INTERNATIONAL ROUTINE JUDGES; DRAFTED FIRST RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR TECHNICAL ROUTINES; INTERNATIONAL CLINICIAN CONDUCTING 37 INTERNATIONAL CLINICS; SYNCHRO COMPETITION MANAGER FOR 1996 OLYMPIC GAMES; U.S. CHEF DEMISSION FOR 1982 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP; SYNCHRO JUDGE/OFFICIAL AT FIVE OLYMPIC GAMES, FIVE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, FIVE PAN AMERICAN GAMES AND SEVEN WORLD CUPS.
Since 1953, Judy has been active as a synchronized swimming competitor, coach, judge and most importantly, administrator nationally and internationally.
In her younger days of competition in the City of Baltimore she was coached by 1912 British Olympic gold medalist and Hall of Famer Belle Moore Cameron and then Dot Muhly. It all helped to prepare her for the many years of commitment and service she gave to the sport.
In 1974, she was the U.S. delegate to the First International Conference on Synchronized Swimming in Ottawa and then elected to chair the International Judges Study Group from 1974 to 1984. In 1979, she was editor and primary author of the First International Training Manual for Synchronized Swimming Judges. She organized the Second International Conference on Synchronized Swimming in 1979 in Washington, DC.
Six years later in 1984, she became the first woman ever appointed to chair a FINA committee, the Technical Synchronized Swimming Committee (TSSC) on which she served for twelve years, eight as chairman. During her tenure, she innovated and improved judging and scoring procedures, initiated development clinics around the world and developed training materials. In 1988, she edited the first FINA Judging Manual, revising it in 1992. She chaired the FINA – TSSC Ad Hoc Committee on Degrees of Difficulty and authored its report, which established an asystematic approach to assigning degrees of difficulty to FINA figures. She developed the first video tape series for training international routine judges by writing the script, selecting video clips, designing the format, and doing the video voice-over. She also wrote a teaching manual to accompany the tapes. She drafted the first rules and guidelines for technical routines and organized the first FINA Coaching Symposium for elite synchro coaches in 1992 at Olympia,Greece.
As an international clinician, she conducted or served 37 international clinics around heworldincluding Argentina, Australia (3), Brazil, Canada (2), China, Columbia (3), Cuba, Dominican Republic (2), Finland, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Japan, Korea (2) Mexico (2), Puerto Rico (2), Russia, Soviet Union, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, USA (7), and Venezuela.
On the home front, she was the Founding President of U.S. Synchronized Swimming where she incorporated the organization, hired the first executive director and established the national office (1977 – 1984). During this time the USSS National Team Program, National Age Group Championships and Masters programs began; and the concept for the first USSS Coaches Certification Program was developed.
She became the chairman of the U.S.Olympic Committee Task Force to investigate the status of Coaches Education in the United States for Pan American and Olympic Sports. All recommendations were subsequently adopted including the establishment of a USOC Coaching Education Program. From 1984 to 1988, she chaired the Coaches Education Committee, organizing the first coaching education seminars for the USOC. She became a member of the USOC Executive Board from 1980 1984 and was appointed by USOC president Bill Simon as the liaison for the Athletes Advisory Council.
McGowan served as an international judge at the 1984, 2000 Olympic Games, serving as Chief Olympic Referee in 1988, 1992 and Competition Manager in 1996. She was a judge at the 1978, 1998, 2005 World Championships; 1979, 1997,1999 World Cups; 1993, 1997, 2002, 2004 Jr World Championships and 1979, 1983, 1987, 1999, 2003 Pan American Games. She served as Chief Referee at the 1986, 1991 World Championships; 1985, 1987, 1989,1991 World Cups and 1989, 1991 Jr Worlds. She was the competition manager at the 1995 World Cup and was the U.S. Chef de Mission at the 1982 World Championships.
Happy Birthday BRUCE FURNISS !
Happy Birthday BRUCE FURNISS !
FOR THE RECORD: OLYMPIC GAMES: 1976 gold (200m freestyle; 1 relay); WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1975 gold (relay), silver (200m, 400m freestyle); 1978 gold (relay); WORLD RECORDS: 10 (200m freestyle; 200m individual medley; 5 relays); AMERICAN RECORDS: 19 (200m, 200yd freestyle; 200m, 200yd, 400yd individual medley; 9 relays); AAU CHAMPIONSHIPS: 11 (200yd, 500yd freestyle; 200m, 400yd individual medley); 7 relays); NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS: 6 (200yd freestyle; 4 relays); KIPHUTH AWARD: 1975, 1976.
Bruce Furniss coped with painful arthritis using swimming as a remedial exercise. That he enjoyed himself during a twelve year career and turned his therapy into a successful competitive swimming career is an understatement. This younger brother of Pan American champion and world record holder, Steve Furniss, set out to own the 200 meters. He won two Olympic gold medals in world and Olympic record times in the 200 and in the 800 freestyle relays at Montreal and broke his brother Steve’s world record in the 200 individual medley. Twice he was high point winner at the U.S. Nationals and twice he was picked as World Swimmer of the Year in the 200 freestyle and individual medley. His world record total of ten included both 400 and 800 freestyle relays at the World Championships in Berlin. He added 19 American records including ten in yard distances which were the world’s fastest times.
Bruce, as an age grouper under Tom DeLong, Flip Darr and Jon Urbanchek, as a Senior National AAU swimmer with Dick Jochums, and as a college swimmer with Peter Daland, certainly added to the reputation of these distinguished coaches. During much of Bruce Furniss’ career he swam tired, without the benefit of a good night’s sleep. On trips he usually roomed with his best pal, Tim Shaw, a character who rarely needed more than six hours sleep and did most of his talking to roommates late at night.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL MAXSON
Bill Maxson “I’ve always felt like I’ve gotten far more out of the sport of swimming, out of the relationships, and out of what I’ve learned than I ever could pay back.”
That’s Bill Maxson, former Board Chair for The USA Swimming Foundation. He’s given a lifetime of service to the sport, beginning as a young athlete, transitioning while still in college to a successful 10-year coaching stint, and eventually assuming greater and greater leadership roles at the highest levels.
Maxson was President of both the United States Sports Insurance Corporation (USSIC) and USA Swimming, where he had previously chaired the Finance, Marketing, and Diversity committees. He also served on the board of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and is a member of the St. Louis Sports Commission. Maxwell was a member of ISHOF’s International Congress in the 1990’s,
By day Maxson is Managing Partner of The America Group, LLC, a full-service financial planning firm. He’s been in that role since 1996 and has been affiliated with The America Group since 1982. He lives in Des Peres, Missouri with his wife, Donna, and their three children.
THE RACE CLUB and HONOREE GARY HALL SR. presents three Home Exercises for Building a Strong Freestyle
Three Home Exercises for Building a Strong Freestyle
Three great home exercises you can do to build a stronger freestyle
Here are three great exercises you can do in your home that will help improve your freestyle with accompanying videos that you will find in Lanes 3 and 4. These exercises require some relatively inexpensive equipment. You can find some of the equipment on our website store.
Boxing Windmill
The boxing windmill exercise is a full range of motion exercise that helps build all of the muscles supporting the shoulder joint. For this one, you will need a partner to hold the boxing mitts in front of you. With your head down, swing the arms straight around in a near vertical circular path, tapping the mitt with the edge of your gloves. We recommend 3 rounds of one minute each with 30 seconds rest in between. Race Club record is 196 taps in one minute!
Lexie Kelly and Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Soni demonstrating the freestyle boxing windmill exercise
Balance Ball up kick
The up kick is often a neglected part of the important kicking sets done in the pool. Yet the up kick can provide a lot of propulsion if you work it! This exercise requires a yoga or balance ball and a couple of light dumbbells or kettle bells (5-8 pounds). It does require some coordination of the movements but will work up kick and shoulders at the same time. Works the lower back, hamstrings and calf muscles, all responsible for a strong up kick. Do 3 rounds of one minute with 30 seconds rest in between.
World class swimmer Zach Hayden working on freestyle up kick and upper body strength
The Ab Wheel
The ab wheel will not only build stronger abdominal muscles, it will also help build the important deltoid muscle of your shoulder. I call the deltoid muscle the conductor of the orchestra, because this muscle helps set up the correct pulling motion with the high elbow pull. Not many athletes are as strong as Roland to extend fully from a standing position, but do 3 rounds of this exercise from your knees of one minute, followed by 30 seconds of rest. Try to keep your elbows higher than your wrists as you extend forward as far as possible. Keep your back straight with your head down. If you can reach 20 full extensions in a minute you are doing well!
Olympian Roland Schoeman doing a full-extension ab wheel from his knees
Have fun!
Yours in swimming,
Gary Sr.
For questions or comments about this article, or to reach Coach Gary or Coach Devin Murphy at The Race Club, click https://theraceclub.com/aqua_note/three-home-exercises-for-building-a-strong-freestyle/
Be one of ISHOF’s 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.
Join the One in a Thousand Club by helping ISHOF on a monthly or one-time basis.
For larger corporate sponsorships and estate-planning donations, please contact us at customerservice@ishof.org.
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.
For more information please contact:
Brandi West, Marketing Director
brandiw@swimmingworld.com
954-462-6536
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USA Swimming Olympic Trials Scheduled for June 2021 in Omaha
by DAN D’ADDONA
10 April 2020, 07:02am
Following unprecedented events around the globe, including the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and many of the associated qualifying competitions, USA Swimming today announced that it has rescheduled its 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials – Swimming to June 13-20, 2021 at the CHI Health Center Omaha, in Omaha, Nebraska.
The rescheduled Olympic Trials will be the sole qualifier for pool swimmers on the U.S. Olympic Team for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan in July 2021. The 2021 Olympic Trials event schedule will remain the same across the 15-session, eight-day event.
“We are incredibly thankful to the USOPC, NBC, the Omaha Sports Commission, the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority and every other partner involved in successfully moving an event of this magnitude to new dates that will best prepare our team to succeed in Tokyo in 2021,” USA Swimming Chief Operating Officer Mike Unger said. “Fans can expect to witness the same incredible level of competition and entertainment throughout this highly-anticipated event.”
Ticket purchasers will have two options for the 2021 Olympic Trials event:
re-issuance of new tickets in the same seats for the same session(s)
ticket refunds within six months of the rescheduling announcement via the original point of purchase
Remaining tickets can be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet nationwide or online at ticketmaster.com/swimtrials20, as well as at the CHI Health Center Omaha box office.
As of April 10, 2020, 1,213 athletes have qualified to compete at the Olympic Trials. At this time, we anticipate these successful trials cuts will be accepted for the 2021 event. Updated Trials qualifying standards will be released ahead of the official return to competition across the U.S.
— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with USA Swimming. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.
ISHOF Honoree Bruce Furniss Set to Be Released from Hospital After Severe Heart Attack
09 April 2020, 09:57am
This update was posted by Bruce Furniss’s family on April 9:
Good News – Our prayers have been answered
We just heard from Sharon [Bruce’s wife] that Bruce is coming home today! It has been another rapid recovery in this roller-coaster experience. Sharon reported this morning she received a call from Bruce this morning: “Sharon, if they and you don’t discharge me, I will sign myself out.” Bruce said he is much better: no longer in pain and his breathing is much better. He even got himself out of bed this morning.
Sharon conferred with the doctors who said Bruce was “good to go”. Our husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend is coming home! I give thanks to God.
Original Story:
Olympic gold medalist and swimming hall of famer Bruce Furniss has been hospitalized after suffering a severe heart attack on March 30, according to his family.
Furniss remains in intensive care in his native California. His family has set up an account via Caring Bridge to offer updates on his condition and share support with loved ones.
Furniss’ family also released a statement:
“First, we want you to know how much we appreciate your support and prayers, particularly, in such an unprecedented time of crisis for so families across our country. Our hearts go out to any family who has a loved one in ICU with whom they cannot visit or even gather as a family to support. It is something difficult to fathom at a time when families need to be together to support one another.
“The outpouring of concern and prayers for Bruce, from his many friends, is testimony to how much he is loved. One positive new development is that the hospital agreed to allow Bruce’s wife, Sharon, to be with him briefly once they bring him out of a medically induced hypothermia. Sharon is an incredibly strong person and sometime today or tomorrow she will be able to hold his hand for all of us.”
Photo Courtesy: ISHOF
At the 1976 Olympics, Furniss, 62, won gold in the 200 freestyle in a world-record 1:50.29 to lead an American podium sweep. He joined Mike Bruner, John Naber and Jim Montgomery to set a world record and win gold in the 800 free relay in Montreal. He also earned two World Championship gold medals in relays and individual silvers in the 200 and 400 free at the 1975 World Championship in Cali, Colombia.
A 1987 inductee to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Furniss set 10 world records, including five individual marks, in the 200 free and 200 individual medley. The latter record was one he took from his older brother, Steve Furniss, in 1975.
Bruce Furniss’ storied swimming career included six NCAA Championships at the University of Southern California and two Kiphuth Awards (1975 and 1976). He won 11 AAU Championships and set 19 American records (10 individual) despite battling arthritis throughout his 12-year swimming career.
Update, April 8:
Slow Progress & a lot of Pain – Bruce remains in ICU. This morning he had a surgery to correct a problem with the defibrillator. It was successful and the internal bleeding has stopped. There should be no long term effects. Bruce is experiencing discomfort, but he is making steps forward on the way back to mending. Perhaps, Bruce and all of us will need patience. We know he has the toughness, determination and persistence. We also know the Lord is protecting him. Thanks for all your support and prayers.
Like me, it is a time for slowing down and taking care of the priorities one step at a time. Perhaps you feel that in this “shelter-in-place” new normal as well. “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” — Wise Words for this time. Matthew 6:34 (suggest reading Matthew 6:25-34).
It is a time for loving family and friends (especially those who are alone) and for reflecting on our relationship with God. We will keep you updated. Thanks for checking in.
Update, April 7:
Not a good day. I just called Bruce who answered with three short phrases: “I am not doing well. They are transferring me downstairs (ICU). Pray for me.”
This morning Bruce had the angiogram which was followed by a procedure to insert a defibrillator. We were even hoping that he might come home tomorrow. Sharon [Bruce’s wife] heard from the cardiologist tonight and mentioned the transfer to the ICU is likely due to complications from this morning’s surgery.
We believe in the power of prayer (or I would not be posting this). Please pray for God’s hand on Bruce at this moment. (6:50 pm).
Update, April 4:
Sharon reports that the Neurologist told her this morning that Bruce is so high functioning that he no longer needs to see him any more! I was stunned – this seems impossible. The neurologist reported he gave Bruce a math problem which Bruce tackled and asked for another! He concluded, “the average person would not have survived this trauma, but Bruce’s athleticism and big heart have allowed him to progress quickly and prevail. I am no longer needed here.” Wow – nothing less than miraculous.
Bruce is getting restless (which is a sign his old self is back as many of you know). Please pray for patience and calm. He must avoid overexertion of his brain by not multitasking or overdoing things – two of Bruce’s fortes. This could be the ultimate test for Bruce in the coming weeks. I am still looking forward to talking to Bruce myself and was scheduled this evening to do this, but elected to spare Bruce from my heavy heart – maybe we will connect later this weekend. Phone calls to Bruce are limited at this time to just Sharon, the kids, me and my brothers.
Update, April 2:
Another BIG day5:30 am this morning – Sharon is woken by a call from the hospital. The nurse says “Bruce is awake and he wants to talk to you!” Wow! Bruce says S-L-O-W-L-Y “I love you and I am going to be fine.” The nurse says his movements are equally slow. Sharon asked Bruce if he felt all the love and prayers from all of you. He replies slowly “Y-E-S I D-O” in slow motion but with a lot of heart! Bruce asks “What happened?” and Sharon explained. Bruce knew that he was at St Joseph’s.
8:30 am – Sharon gets the first of three calls from Bruce’s doctors. The first is the doctor in charge of the ICU who tells her he is USC class of ’76 and mentioned that Bruce is class of 1979. Sharon asks “How did you know?” Bruce told him! The doctor says Bruce has made a big jump yesterday which was unexpected. He says that Bruce is even initiating conversation.
Later the Cardiologist calls, he and Sharon decide to delay the angiogram until Monday. After speaking for a little bit, the doctor tells Sharon “Bruce wants to talk to you.” Bruce: “WHEN —ARE— YOU — GO—ING —TO—COME—AND—SEE—ME?” Sharon tried to explain about the pandemic which Bruce vaguely remembered but did not fully understand the purpose of the restrictions we are now all under because of Covid-19.
The third doctor was the neurologist. He also indicated that we made a major turn yesterday for the good that was not expected and that Bruce has made HUGE progress in a short time. He did warn the recovery will take many weeks but was optimistic that Bruce will likely get back to “baseline”. He said during this period he will repeat himself and have amnesia. (He will continue to fit right in with his three aging brothers at our lunches as we already do this!) Bruce has passed the swallow test so he will be taking food soon. He started occupational and physical therapy today.
We continue to be grateful for the Lord’s provision and for all of your love and support. I feel like a dark cloud is being lifted. Please continue to pray for improved & faster speech and movements as well as emotional stability. He must take this recovery slow and we must all be patient. The improvements of the last two days have been truly miraculous. We are blessed to have him with us and I look forward to a chance to FaceTime my dear brother in the coming days. We will keep you posted on this journey!
Publishers Note: On behalf of everyone at the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the staff at Swimming World, our thoughts and prayers go out to Bruce for a speedy recovery. We wish for much strength and support to his family and loved ones.
ISHOF Paragon Award WInner Terry Sayring Passes Away at age 81.
Terry Sayring Passes Away
January 5, 1939 – March 16, 2020
by Bruce Wigo
Terry Sayring and Bill Fraidy
ISHOF is sad to announce that Terry Sayring, the 2017 Paragon Award recipient for water polo, passed away on March 16, 2020, after a courageous battle against cancer. Terry was 81 years old.
Sayring first became involved in water polo when, upon being discharged from the Marine Corp in California, he moved in with two Olympic water polo players from El Segundo. They eventually introduced him to water polo innovator and Olympic Coach, Uhro Saari, who got Terry involved in officiating in 1963. The rest, as they say is water polo history.
Terry was involved in water polo at almost every level. He has officiated events including the FINA World Championships, the FINA World Cup, FINA Jr. World Championships, Pan American Games, NCAA Championships and the AAU Championships. In 1969, he founded the Southern California Aquatics Federation which became the US water polo referee association. He was the manager of the 1980 and 1984 USA Olympic teams, as well as two Pan American teams, and served as the competition manager for the 1995 FINA World Cup and 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He also served as the tournament director for the Women’s FINA Cup, Men’s Junior FINA Worlds in Long Beach, and was a member of the ASUA Technical Committee for 12 years. In 1995, he was presented the FINA Silver Pin.
In addition to water polo, Sayring’s other passion was been genealogy. Over the past 30 years, he has been able to trace his ancestors back to 2700 BC, including the Mayflower, the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. This helped with his next project: The American Water Polo Foundation, a non-profit 401C, that collects memorabilia and researches the history of USA Water Polo back to its earliest origins. The foundation has collected information on the Men’s Olympic Teams from 1904 to the present and the Women’s Olympic Team from the 2000 Olympics to the present.
Sayring was a Life Member of United States Water Polo since 1978, and secretary of the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame for 25 years. He was elected into the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame in 1986 and received the USA Water Polo Award in 1988, the organization’s highest honor.
In 2015, he founded American Water Polo Collections, Inc., a California non-profit dedicated to preserving the history of water polo in America. Up to his final months he also served as supervisor of water polo officials for the Big West Conference and a member of the National Referee Evaluators Committee. He was been married for 56 years with three daughters, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Terry will always be remembered as one of the great volunteers to have served the aquatic sports selflessly and passionately during his lifetime.
ISHOF Construction Update
ISHOF Construction update
March 31, 2020
Well, we hope that most of you are staying at home and being safe, but evidently the construction crews in South Florida are playing it safe out in the fresh air and are keeping their distance from one another. So, the construction continues at the complex, at least for now. (And just so we are clear, this is not our decision, or the City of Fort Lauderdale’s, but the construction companies decision).
Here are a few of the latest shots:
Stay safe and try to stay home! If you are bored, VISIT the ISHOF archives,,,,,,,there is so much great stuff! www.ishof.org
ISHOF Honor Swimmer Bruce Furniss Hospitalized after Severe Heart Attack
by MATTHEW DE GEORGE
31 March 2020, 03:01pm
Olympic gold medalist and ISHOF Honoree Bruce Furniss has been hospitalized after suffering a severe heart attack Monday, according to his family.
Furniss remains in intensive care in his native California. His family has set up an account via Caring Bridge to offer updates on his condition and share support with loved ones.
Furniss’ family also released a statement:
“First, we want you to know how much we appreciate your support and prayers, particularly, in such an unprecedented time of crisis for so families across our country. Our hearts go out to any family who has a loved one in ICU with whom they cannot visit or even gather as a family to support. It is something difficult to fathom at a time when families need to be together to support one another.
“The outpouring of concern and prayers for Bruce, from his many friends, is testimony to how much he is loved. One positive new development is that the hospital agreed to allow Bruce’s wife, Sharon, to be with him briefly once they bring him out of a medically induced hypothermia. Sharon is an incredibly strong person and sometime today or tomorrow she will be able to hold his hand for all of us.”
Photo Courtesy: ISHOF
At the 1976 Olympics, Furniss, 62, won gold in the 200 freestyle in a world-record 1:50.29 to lead an American podium sweep. He joined Mike Bruner, John Naber and Jim Montgomery to set a world record and win gold in the 800 free relay in Montreal. He also earned two World Championship gold medals in relays and individual silvers in the 200 and 400 free at the 1975 World Championship in Cali, Colombia.
A 1987 inductee to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Furniss set 10 world records, including five individual marks, in the 200 free and 200 individual medley. The latter record was one he took from his older brother, Steve Furniss, in 1975.
Bruce Furniss’ storied swimming career included six NCAA Championships at the University of Southern California and two Kiphuth Awards (1975 and 1976). He won 11 AAU Championships and set 19 American records (10 individual) despite battling arthritis throughout his 12-year swimming career.