PHOENIX, Arizona, August 8. INTERNATIONAL Masters Swimming Hall of Famer Ron Johnson passed away earlier this morning. Initial reports from sources close to the situation indicate that Johnson's death was self-inflicted.
Johnson had a storied career with in the sport of swimming. He was inducted into the Masters wing of the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2007, and was named the U.S. Masters Swimming Coach of the Year in 1999. As a coach, Johnson led 28 swimmers into Olympic finals with 14 of them medaling.
Johnson coached the women's teams at Arizona State to two national championships and a couple of runner-up finishes. He also coached talented swimmers on the men's team there. Johnson had transitioned well into the Masters swimming realm, setting more than 50 world records.
Swimming World sends its condolences to Johnson's family and friends. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.