ISHOF News Archives - Page 78 of 136 - International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF)

USA Swimming Announces 2023 Schedule, with Pro Swim Series stop at Hall of Fame Aquatic Center new facility in Ft. Lauderdale

ISHOF New Aquatic Center, June 2022

by MATTHEW DE GEORGE – SENIOR WRITER13 July 2022,

USA Swimming Announces 2023 Schedule, With Pro Swim Series Stop at ISHOF Pool

USA Swimming on Wednesday announced dates and locations for domestic competitions in 2023, a slate that includes a TYR Pro Swim Series stop in Fort Lauderdale, scheduled for the new Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center at the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Wednesday’s schedule includes four TYR Pro Swim Series stops in the spring – in Knoxville, Tenn.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Westmont, Ill.; and Mission Viejo, Calif. They build to International Team Trials in Indianapolis from June 27-July 1. Phillips 66 Nationals will be held in Irvine, Calif., Aug. 1-5.

The TYR Pro Swim Series is tentatively scheduled for March 1-4 in Fort Lauderdale. It would be one of the first major events hosted by the state of the art facility in Fort Lauderdale, which is also home to the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

The winter Toyota U.S. Open will occur Nov. 29-Dec. 2, at a location TBD. The location is also to be announced for Speedo Winter Junior Championships, in the East and West halves.

“Our goal is to provide as much clarity as possible regarding next year’s calendar as early as possible, enabling our members to develop training regimes that optimize performance while allowing membership to organize their year accordingly,” USA Swimming President & CEO Tim Hinchey III said in a press release. “We are investing in quality competitions at a cadence that will set athletes up for success and will look to finalize locations for every event as soon as possible.”

The full USA Swimming 2023 schedule:

Jan. 11-14: TYR Pro Swim Series, Knoxville, Tenn.March 1-4: TYR Pro Swim Series, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.April 12-15: TYR Pro Swim Series, Westmont, Ill.April 21-23: Open Water Nationals, Sarasota, Fla.May 17-20: TYR Pro Swim Series, Mission Viejo, Calif.June 27-July 1: International Team Trials, Indianapolis, Ind.July 25-29: Speedo Junior National Championships, Irvine, Calif.Aug. 1-5: Phillips 66 National Championships, Irvine, Calif.Nov. 29-Dec. 2: Toyota U.S. Open, TBDDec. 6-9: Speedo Winter Junior Championships (East), TBDDec. 6-9: Speedo Winter Junior Championships (West), TBD

Future Hall of Famers: Beyond Talent in the Water, Adam Peaty exhibits Gold-Medal Spirit and Character

Article by JOHN LOHN – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

04 August 2022

Column: Beyond Talent in the Water, Adam Peaty Exhibits Gold-Medal Spirit and Character

There is something special about Adam Peaty, and it has nothing to do with his status as the greatest athlete his events have seen. Sure, respect and reverence are paid to the British star, who – in the 50 breaststroke and 100 breaststroke – has altered what was perceived as possible. Simply, what Peaty has done in sprint breaststroke is downright stunning.

But over the past few days, while dealing with the first significant adversity he has faced in his career, Peaty has displayed his unique characteristics in another manner. He has been the definition of fortitude. He has shown self-reflection. He has displayed vulnerability. He has exhibited perseverance. Through it all, Peaty has offered himself as someone with whom anyone can appreciate.

It is easy to take athletic greatness for granted. When we see someone excel time and again on the grandest of stages, as Peaty has done for nearly a decade, not enough time is spent on what reaching that level entails. The athlete stands on the top of the podium, as usual in Peaty’s case, and the typical reaction is: Yep, he did it again.

So, when the unbreakable wall around an individual shows a crack, shock is the typical reaction. That scenario is what unfolded around Peaty at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Despite a broken foot earlier in the year, Peaty was expected to waltz into the Sandwell Aquatics Centre and – again – mow down his opposition. First, he was supposed to blast his way to a third consecutive gold medal in the 100 breaststroke. Then, he was anticipated to capture the title in the 50 breaststroke, the lone missing piece in his incredible portfolio.

Instead, the early portion of Peaty’s competition was a disaster. Not only was the Englishman defeated in the 100 breaststroke for the first time since 2014, he failed to reach the podium. His time in the final was three seconds shy of his world record, which begged the question: What went wrong?

The obvious answer to the query is that Peaty, thanks to his injury, has not logged the training necessary for the 27-year-old to be close to his routine form. Based on one performance, if some want to dismiss Peaty as returning to his primary status as an indomitable force, let them make that mistake. The man still possesses a spectacular skill set, one which other competitors yearn to possess.

And this is where the story veers, shifting from a focus on athletic ability to a look at the mentality owned by Peaty.

When Peaty suffered his loss in the 100 breaststroke, he didn’t try to hide his feelings. He spoke of personal disappointment. He said he was “heartbroken.” He said he let down his fans. He questioned himself, basically, in every way imaginable. In almost an instant, the guy who was deemed unbreakable was, in fact, broken.

“After the 100, I was at the lowest of the low,” Peaty said. “I had something that was almost guaranteed taken away from me and I took it for granted, I think. I was saying to (Ross Murdoch) in the swim-down that I didn’t want to do the 50 and he said, ‘No, you’ll regret it and you’ll regret it the day after, a year after and for life.’ And I’m glad he was there to encourage me.”

Peaty’s comments not only reflect someone who was stung, they can be applied to the lives of any woman or man. Although the sting may not be endured on the stage on which Peaty competes, we all experience moments where we doubt ourselves. Where we may want to quit. Where we wonder what went awry.

To see Peaty offer vulnerability and question himself was a positive event. It cast light on the all-important area of mental health and reiterated the notion that it is all right to say, “I’m hurt. I’m down. I need support.” Peaty received his lift from Murdoch and has spoken publicly before about not pushing through each day as someone who cannot be rattled. A valuable reminder also came from James Guy, Peaty’s longtime teammate. Guy emphasized to his friend that he was not defined by his results in the pool, but by who he was as a person.

“You can probably write a whole book on how many stigmas there are in the world and mental health would come up on every single page – especially men’s,” Peaty once said. “There is a massive stigma that men can’t talk about what they feel. I do think you want to talk to your closest circle – your partner, your best friend or your coach or whoever it’s going to be. You’ve got to talk to people and to get it off your chest.”

Through his words, past and present, Peaty did enough to help others from his locale in Birmingham. But his physical actions also sent a tremendous message. After the 100 breaststroke, with his condition clearly compromised, the Olympic champ could have walked away from the upcoming 50 breaststroke. It was the missing jewel in his career, but there were no guarantees what the event would provide, including the possibility of another missed podium – and additional heartache.

But with Murdoch’s encouragement and a reach into his true character, Peaty decided to return to the blocks. He compared himself to a cornered lion, and because he takes pride in battling, he put himself in the spotlight again – success or failure be damned.

Ultimately, Peaty found a way to mine gold in the 50 breaststroke, consequently claiming the only major title that had proven elusive in the Olympic-sized pool. It was a rewarding victory, partly for the completion of his hardware collection, but mainly because Peaty demonstrated perseverance. Again, it was a message which can be applied to all. Don’t run away from difficulty. Embrace it. Learn from it.

“I came from literally the lowest point two days ago and I said, ‘You know what, I’m a fighter,” Peaty said.

Whenever Adam Peaty retires from the sport, he’ll be remembered as a legend. A place in the International Swimming Hall of Fame awaits. And his talent will be recalled as well ahead of its time. But Peaty will be remembered, too, for what he offered in other critical areas. He portrayed vulnerability. He exemplified perseverance. He was relatable.

In itself, that’s worth a gold medal.

99-year old MISHOF Honoree Wally Lamb shreds record books at USMS Summer Nationals

by JOHN LOHN – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF04 August 2022, 03:42am

99-Year-Old Willard Lamb Shreds Record Book at USMS Summer Nationals; Breaks Several Marks in Single Swim

Because the sport allows for interval times to be recorded, every once in a while, we see multiple records established by one athlete in a single race. But Willard Lamb, a member of the Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame, took the multiple-record phenomenon to another level while competing Wednesday at the United States Masters Swimming (USMS) Summer Nationals.

Competing in the 100-104 age group, the 99-year-old Lamb established four world records and six USMS during his 1500-meter freestyle. Since he turns 100 later this year, Lamb (Oregon Masters) is eligible to compete in the 100-104 classification, and he made his presence known time and again. For the 1500 freestyle, Lamb set a FINA Masters world record of 42:27.06. Along the way to that performance, he took down several other standards. Here’s a look at what Lamb achieved in the 100-104 age group.

50 freestyle – 1:07.34 (USMS record)100 freestyle – 2:29.96 (USMS record)200 freestyle – 5:18.86 (FINA Masters world record; USMS record)400 freestyle – 10:55.25 (FINA Masters world record; USMS record)800 freestyle – 22:15.67 (FINA Masters world record; USMS record)1500 freestyle – 42:27.06 (FINA Masters world record; USMS record)

While Lamb was the showstopper on Wednesday, he was joined as a record-setter by Shirley Loftus-Charley, who won the 1500 freestyle in the 70-74 age group in a World Masters and USMS record of 22:17.49. Meanwhile, in the 60-64 age group, Arnaldo Perez broke a World Masters and USMS record in the 1500 freestyle with a time of 17:55.91.

More About Willard Lamb

In high school, Willard “Wink” Lamb set a Washington state record in the 220-yard freestyle. The event was discontinued a few years later, so that’s one record he knows will never be broken.

A few of the Masters world records he has set might also stand the test of time. Lamb set 17 world records in 2017 (11 events) in the 95-99 age group. In long course, he broke every freestyle and backstroke record. For the 50-100-200 back, he set Masters standards for his age group of 58.63 and was the first 95-99-year-old to break a minute. In short course, he added records in the 100 and 400 free.

Between high school and his return to Masters swimming, Lamb was out of the pool most of his life. It wasn’t until he retired in 2002 that he returned to swimming and didn’t begin competing until he was 83 years old, in 2006.

Since then, he has never stopped, and if he stays healthy, he has no plans to do so. He will even keep swimming the 1500 free. “I swim a mile every day, so you kind of keep in shape for distance,” Lamb said. “I figure, swimming a mile, I might as well enter the 1500.”

Willard has swum in five age groups (80-84 through 100-104) and has set 60-plus FINA world records. His world records are mostly in the freestyle and backstroke, but has set a few in the I.M.

2022 Duraflex Award Winners – Seaman & Gompf

Kathy Seaman

Duraflex

Tom Gompf

2022 Duraflex Award – Additional Winners

In addition to Steve Voellmecke winning the Duraflex award in 2022, there are two other award recipients: Tom Gompf, USA and Kathy Seaman of Canada.

Kathy Seaman was awarded the Duraflex Award, earlier this year, retiring after her long and distinguished career with FINA. She served on the FINA Technical Committee as Chairman, Secretary and Member. Her contributions to diving have been impactful and meaningful.

Tom Gompf, ISHOF Honoree, was supposed to be presented the Duraflex Award in Budapest last month, but because of Covid, unfortunately, he was unable to attend. ISHOF is happy to include another Duraflex award presentation during the Friday night award ceremony, during the ISHOF Honoree weekend, October 14, 2022. To read Tom’s bio, click here:

https://ishof.org/honoree/honoree-tom-gompf/

The Duraflex International Award was first presented in 2008 to the Chinese Swimming Federation for their outstanding work as the Olympic Host at the 2008 Olympic Games. Other Federations receiving the Award include the Mexican Swimming Federation and the British Swimming Federation. The Award recognizes outstanding international contribution to the sport of diving and it has been given to international sport federations and individuals whose contribution to diving has made a real and lasting impact

For 2022, the following people are being recognized: Kathy Seaman, Canada (awarded in Budapest), Tom Gompf, USA and Steve Voellmecke, USA (to be recognized in Fort Lauderdale).

Here is a list of the recipients:

2008Chinese Swimming Federation2009Mexican Swimming Federation2010Eldon Godfrey2011Don Leas2012Bill Walker2013British Swimming2014Jesus Mena2017Michael Geissbühler2021Chris Askin2022Kathy Seaman2022Steve Voellmecke2022Tom Gompf

Steve Voellmecke to be presented 2022 Duraflex Award during ISHOF Honoree weekend Oct. 14-15

Steve Voellmecke has been involved with the sport of diving for the past 35 years. He began as a diver, he is now as a coach, a judge and a volunteer. He dove for Xavier University, in Cincinnati and was captain of the team, his senior year.

He is a Life Member of USA Diving, a Trustee of the United States Diving Foundation, and a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF), where he generously donates each year. He holds the position of Treasurer of The United States Professional Diving Coaches Association and is on the Executive Board for the ambitious Aquatic Training Center project. He was Team Leader for the USA for the 2000 FINA World Cup in Sydney and the 1996 Can-Am-Mex Junior Olympic International Meet in Winnipeg, Canada. At the 1996 U.S. National Diving Championships, he helped produce the memorable and highly successful event held at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as Co-Meet Director.

In 1998, Steve was presented with the prestigious “WHOSAM” Award given annually to the Diving Coach who “demonstrates commitment to excellence and dedication to the highest physical, mental and spiritual ideals.” This award is presented by ISHOF Honor Diver, Dr. Sammy Lee M.D. – 1948 and 1952 Olympic Gold Medalist — and the person responsible for introducing “The Sammy” Sport Towel to the diving world!

A highly respected diving judge, Steve is FINA certified and was the only judge selected to judge both the 2008 AND 2012 United States Olympic Diving Trials. He has judged the NCAA Championships from 2007 – 2014, as well as multiple international diving competitions and Collegiate Conference Championships, including the Big 10, SEC and PAC-12 championships. For the past 30 years, Steve has been a constant in the Greater Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area serving as referee and judge at countless Summer League Diving Meets.

Voellmecke’s first love is teaching diving at the Grassroots Level, although he is proud to have coached divers at all levels. He has coached the summer diving team at The Indian Hill Club since 1985 and was instrumental in designing their spectacular new diving well, built in 2008.

He is the President and owner of Springboards and More, which is the largest Dealer of Duraflex Diving Equipment in the United States and the Preferred Equipment Supplier to USA Diving.

He currently lives in Loveland, Ohio with twins Aidan and Simone.

Anne Schmidt joins staff of ISHOF ~ a great addition with extensive fund raising experience!

Anne Schmidt joins ISHOF with an extensive fundraising background in individual giving, relationship building, development communications, campaign strategy, and project management. Anne has a proven track record of generating revenue and exceeding goals. She brings passion, perspective, tangible experience, and innovation to ISHOF.

Throughout her non-profit career, Anne has managed development and marketing activities for multiple revenue streams, including sponsorships, grants, annual giving and major gifts. Most recently, Anne was Director of Development & Events at The Skechers Foundation, growing their Friendship Walk to over $2.6 million in 2021. She also helped the Foundation lead a successful $5 million capital campaign for the Roundhouse Aquarium, a private-public partnership with the City of Manhattan Beach, CA. As the Director of Development, she oversaw annual giving campaigns, the Skechers Scholarship Program, launched peer fundraising and collaborated on special events and capital campaigns. Anne worked with the Tour de Pier, a spin event that supports cancer charity in its inaugural year and growing the event to over $1 million dollars in 5 years. Anne also assisted in the launch of the Mayflower Society’s $25 million capital campaign to renovate the 400-year-old Mayflower Meetinghouse in Plymouth, MA scheduled for completion in 2024.

Anne holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh.

“The entire Board of Directors of ISHOF is fully supportive of Anne and excited about her role in the future of ISHOF, our relationship with the City of Fort Lauderdale, and the next phase of the Hall of Fame. We believe Anne will help us create a bright new future for ISHOF,” said Bill Kent, ISHOF Chairman of the Board.

We welcome Anne to the Hall of Fame; she has already hit the ground running!!!! She and her husband are new residents of Fort Lauderdale, having just moved cross country from Manhattan Bech, California.

Carol Zaleski (USA) to be Inducted as Honor Contributor as Part of ISHOF Class of 2022

Carol Zaleski will join ISHOF’s esteemed Class of 2022 as an Honor Contributor, joining 10 other aquatic greats who will be enshrined in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday night, October 15, 2022.

Zaleski has a resume that is like no other, highlighted by a lot of firsts. She was elected to the FINA Technical Swimming Committee and served as Honorary Secretary from 1988-1992. She was the first woman Chairman beginning in 1992, and she held that post through 2005. She served as Vice-Chairman and was the leader of interpreting and formulating the rules for international swimming. She retired as the chair of the FINA Technical Swimming Committee in May 2022, after a total of 26 years as Chairman, which is unprecedented in FINA history. She established the first worldwide Swimming Officials Seminar to provide consistency to officiating worldwide. Carol has presided over six FINA Technical Congresses (1996 through 2017), critical meetings which enacted new rules for the sport.

Carol Zaleski at FINA General Congress

Zaleski was elected President of UANA in 2003 and served as Vice President. On the World Championships level, she was Competition Director at two editions, 1991-Perth and 1994-Rome. On the Olympic level, she served as Meet Referee at two Games, 1984-Los Angeles and 1988-Seoul, and was the Competition Director at four Games, 1992-Barcelona, 1996-Atlanta, 2000-Sydney, 2004-Athens. In addition, she was the first female referee both at a FINA World Championships and an Olympic Games.

USA Swimming’s Executive Director Ray Essick and President Carol Zaleski

Carol Zaleski has been both President of USA Swimming and President of the United States Aquatic Sports.

“You know where you stand with her. She’s detail-oriented and always has the swimmers’ best interests in mind.”

“Carol is going to be difficult to replace (at FINA),” USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus once said. “She’s warm and polite, but when she talks, people listen.”

FINA Meeting 2013

Carol Zaleski has been a force in USA Swimming, FINA and swimming on a global level for as long as anyone can remember. The world of swimming will move on without her, but it just won’t be the same.

More About Carol Zaleski:

In Beijing in 2008, she became the first female deck referee in Olympic swimming. “I was honored to be the first (woman) deck referee, but I prefer being in charge,” she said.

Zaleski in charge!

Make your plans now to attend October 15, 2022! Purchase your tickets TODAY!!! (Get info on membership here.) Can’t attend the event? Donate to ISHOF to support our honorees.

This year’s International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees include:

International Swimming Hall of Fame 2022 Honorees

Craig Beardsley (USA) – Swimming

Natalie Coughlin (USA) – Swimming

Marilyn Bell (CAN) – Open Water Swimming

Michael Klim (AUS) – Swimming

Jon Sieben (AUS) – Swimming

Daichi Suzuki (JPN)– Swimming

Matthew Mitcham (AUS) – Diving

Ursula Carlile (AUS) – Coach

Peter Huerzeler (SUI) – ISHOF Contributor

Mirko Vicevic (YUG/MON) Water Polo

Carol Zaleski (USA) Contributor

Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees

USA Swimmer (TBA) USA Contributor (TBA)

Edith Bohm (GER) Masters Swimmer

Olga Kokorina (RUS) Masters Swimmer

Shigehisha Sekikawa (JPN) Masters Swimmer

Birte Hohlstein (GER) Masters Artistic Swimming

Guenther Wolf (GER) Masters Water Polo

The Induction Weekend Schedule

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Official 57th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner

5:30 pm VIP Reception6:30 –10:00 pm Induction Ceremony & Dinner

Purchase Tickets HERE

HOTEL INFORMATION

Host Hotel: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Upscale retreat with private beach access, two pools, four restaurants, full service spa and oceanside bar. Location of the Saturday evening induction ceremony. ¼ mile south of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-4000

Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $229 per night, BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE

($39 Resort fee – Guests can opt out if not interested in resort amenities)

Additional Hotel Option: Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach

440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 524-8733 Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $189 per night

Honoree Ceremony October 15, 2022 Last Day to Book: Friday, September 30, 2022

BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE

Legendary Diving Coach Hobie Billingsley Passes Away at 94; Left impact on World

by MEG KELLER-MARVIN16 July 2022

Passages: Legendary Diving Coach Hobie Billingsley Dies at 94; Left Impact on the World

Hobie Billingsley, a 1983 International Swimming Hall of Fame Honor Diving Coach, and one of the most beloved diving coaches of a generation, passed away early this morning, July 16, 2022. He was 94. Hobie was the head diving coach at Indiana University for 30 years, spanning 1959 to 1989, alongside swimming coach, Dr. James “Doc” Counsilman.” The two legends made aquatic history together, guiding a program to elite status. During Billingsley’s tenure at IU, his divers won six NCAA and 23 Big Ten team championships. He coached individuals to an astounding 115 national titles, 22 Big Ten championships and six Olympic medals. His ISHOF Honorees (four) and Olympic gold and bronze medalists include Lesley Bush, Mark Lenzi, Kenny Sitzburger, Cynthia Potter, Win Young, and Jim Henry.

Billingsley began his career as an outstanding diver in his own right, competing under the great ISHOF Honor Coach, Mike Peppe, at Ohio State University. He was an All-American on both boards in 1945, yet following his freshman year at Ohio State, Billingsley joined the Army Air-Corps, where he served his country in Japan. Upon returning, he returned to Indiana and again won All-America Honors in 1948, 1949 and 1950.

In addition to being one of the top coaches in the country, Billingsley continued to enjoy diving and he and his good friend, Bruce Harlan, a fellow IU teammate (not to mention Olympic gold and silver medalist), and later on with Dick Kimball, toured for 15 summers establishing himself as one of the greatest comedy divers of all time. Years later, he regularly came to Fort Lauderdale and was always a favorite at the Hall of Fame water shows, along with Kimball, Ron O’Brien and Julie Krug for many years. He came to the Hall of Fame several times a year, whether it was bringing his team for winter training at the College Swim Forum along with Counsilman, or attending ISHOF’s International Diving Meet every spring with his top-ranked divers.

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

In addition to training divers and coaches around the globe, Billingsley was a respected speaker on the history of the sport, as well as technique and ethics. He published two editions of his Diving Illustrated, a manual for coaches and divers, offering a detailed technical book of diving.

Simply put, Hobie Billingsley was one of the greatest, most beloved diving coaches in the world. He got the greatest joy from coaching diving, sharing his knowledge, and helping anyone who wanted to learn. He was most proud of the athletes who followed in his footsteps and became coaches themselves and continued to share the knowledge of the sport. And there were too many to count.

Hobie Billingsley was the recipient of every award diving had to offer. While at IU, he was voted the U.S. Diving Coach of the Year seven consecutive times between 1964-1970. He was the 1964 recipient of the Fred Cady Award, and the 1973 recipient of the Mike Malone Award. He was also the first NCAA Coach of the Year, first presented in 1982. He is a member of the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame (1994) and in that same year, he was presented the Sammy Lee Award, the most prestigious award in the world for the sport of diving. And maybe the greatest honor, the Indiana University swimming and diving facility in Bloomington, is named the Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatics Center.

“We had a lot of great times together, coaching, doing water shows, traveling around the world. I will never forget his great smile and how happy he was and made others happy too. He was the one responsible for introducing coaching based on science. Hobie will be sorely missed by so many people. Thanks Hobie for all the things you gave us,” said Ron O’Brien, his longtime friend, rival coach and eight-time U.S. Olympic team Coach.

“Hobie taught us far more than how to be champion divers. His greater legacy will be how he showed us to love each other and walk with each other in this community of divers around the world,” said Steve McFarland, Past President of USA Diving and FINA Technical High Diving Committee Member and Chairman, Duraflex International Corporation.

“Hobie dedicated much of his life to assisting others in learning the skills for personal success. His greatest gift was imparting his wisdom in a way that turned our self-doubt into self-belief. I am grateful for his genius. He was a remarkable human,” said Cynthia Potter, an ISHOF honoree, four-time Olympian and one of Billingsley’s most successful female divers.

Legendary Announcer Sam Kendricks loses battle with Cancer – His Voice will be missed

by DAVID RIEDER – SENIOR WRITER06 July 2022

Legendary Announcer Sam Kendricks Passes Away: His Voice Will Be Missed

Sam Kendricks, one of the main voices on deck at major swim meets in the United States over the last two decades, passed away Wednesday after a nine-month battle with Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Kendricks discovered the cancer in September 2021 and had surgery to remove the mass, but the cancer had metastasized to his torso by December. He spent the last six months undergoing treatment for the disease.

Kendricks was the primary announcer for the NCAA Division I swimming championships over the last decade, and he was one of the primary voices for USA Swimming competitions for more than two decades. He was part of the announcing team at five Olympic Trials (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016). In addition, he worked as a residential realtor in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Before that, Kendricks was an undergraduate student manager for the University of Texas men’s team under coach Eddie Reese, including the first national-title-winning squad in 1981. He was later an assistant coach for the Texas women under Richard Quick from 1985 to 1987, and then he coached club teams in Arkansas for eight years. After leaving club coaching, he was asked to return to one of his old clubs to announce a meet, and his career in announcing took off from there.

As an announcer, Kendricks developed a signature style that brought excitement to crowds around all corners of the country. He reserved his primary catchphrase, “BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA,” for the most impressive of swims. As an announcer, Kendricks hoped to showcase each swimmer in a way that would make their experience at the meet as positive as possible.

“My goal is really just to highlight and find experiences and memories and spot situations that really accentuate what is great about that swimmer, that relay, that team, whatever it is, and remember that there are people in the stands that this means so much on behalf of that swimmer or diver that you want to give them as much as you can,” Kendricks told Swimming World earlier this year.

Kendricks’ friend Bob Staab posted a message in the Facebook group “BoomshakalakaSam,” which had been used to provide updates on Kendricks during his battle with cancer.

It is with sadness that I let you know our friend Sam Kendricks peacefully passed away today at home in Los Alamos, N.M., at the age of 59 from Merkel Cell Carcinoma with his loving wife Shay at his side. Sam would have turned 60 on July 31.I have many stories and memories of Sam over the last 35 years that I will never forget and know many of you have known him for much longer and have many as well. I hope that you will take time to share some of those memories with everyone on this page.Shay would like to thank all of you for the support you have given to Sam and her over these past months and has requested some privacy during this time. Below is a note from Shay.*******For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.” ~ Khalil GibranIt breaks my heart to have to share this news. This morning, my husband, Sam Kendricks, departed this realm of existence for the next. He did not wish to leave us so soon, but his body grew weary.Sam was lighthearted and fun unless the situation required seriousness. He specifically asked that he not have a traditional funeral.While I don’t have any plans for a service yet, I will be organizing a celebration of life service for later this summer in Los Alamos and again in Austin at the University of Texas in the fall.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the J. Robert Oppenheimer House Fund of the Los Alamos Historical Society: https://losalamoshistory.networkforgood.com/projects/107843-oppenheimer-house-preservation. The donations support the work of conserving the Oppenheimer home for future generations. Sam was passionate about the home and the history it holds.

Ursula Carlile, joins husband Forbes, as she is to be inducted as Honor Coach in ISHOF Class of 2022

by MEG KELLER-MARVIN 7 July 2022,

For more than half a century, Ursula Carlile, teamed up with her husband, Forbes, to form swimming’s first internationally-prominent husband and wife coaching team. The two collaborated at every level of the sport by sharing teaching, coaching, filming and administrative duties at their own Ryde Swim Club. The club originated in a backyard pool of their home in the Sydney suburb of Ryde. The pool is still there today! There they taught thousands of youngsters to swim and have coached some of Australia’s most celebrated Olympians.

Ursula and Forbes Carlile Photo Courtesy:

Ursula Carlile began her international coaching career in the Netherlands, where she and Forbes co-coached the Dutch National team from 1962-64 and where she was the Dutch Olympic Co-Head Coach with her husband. In the following decade, the husband and wife team made frequent periodic visits to the People’s Republic of China, working with China’s top coaches and national team. In 1980, the Carlile’s were named Honorary Olympic Coaches for China.

Ursula Carlile Photo Courtesy:

In 1972, Ursula became Australia’s first female Olympic swimming coach when she was selected as an assistant coach to Don Talbot, for the Munich Games. She served as an assistant to Terry Gathercole the next year at the World Championships, held in Cali, Colombia. In 1974, she was selected as Australia’s first female Head Coach for the Commonwealth Games, held in Christchurch, New Zealand. In yet another sterling accomplishment, during the 1970’s and ’80’s, she and Forbes coached five Olympians – all of them world record-holders: Karen Moras, Shane Gould, Jenny Turrall, Gail Neal and John Bennett.

In the days when Forbes Carlile could not secure official staff selection to the Australian Olympic team, it was Ursula Carlile who accompanied Gould as chaperone at the Munich 1972 Games. Forbes was there in a commentator’s position with the media as Gould raced to what remains a record five-medal haul in solo events among women, her three golds secured with World records, a silver and a bronze completing a unique collection for a a pioneering pantheon. Gould is Dr. Shane Gould these days.

A Life Member of the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association, Ursula Carlile lectured frequently around the world until lately. Forbes, pioneer of the pace clock and several aspects of swimming science, entered the Hall of Fame in 1976. He passed away on the eve of the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.

Ursula Carlile and swimmers at Ryde Swim Club, Sydney, Australia Photo Courtesy:

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