Editorial content for the 2015 Arena Pro Swim Series Santa Clara is sponsored by Arena. For full Swimming World coverage, check out our coverage page.
By Chuck Kroll, Aquatic Historian and Swimming World contributor
What a day! Morning prelims, quick trip to NorCal Swim Shop for a Water Polo ball, Hall of Fame Reunion luncheon, quick stop at hotel to cleanup and change clothes, back for first half of evening finals and then off to an awesome evening of the first International Swimming Hall of Fame inductions ever to be held outside of Ft. Lauderdale.
My takeaways on the day…
1) Coaches are busy people during meets, warmups, pre & post swims, when they have an aqualete in the water, etc. However, during their brief lulls of ‘not working’ they are generally a terrific group of individuals to spend time with and ‘talk story’ (a Hawaiian term). Just to name drop a few, I was able to spend time with Mike Bottom, Tom Jager, Rick DeMont, Cyndi Gallagher, Teri McKeever, Jon Urbanchek, USA National Coach Frank Busch and even a moment with Bob Bowman. I also had the opportunity to meet and talk with another half dozen other coaches I had never met before. The sport of swimming is in some very knowledgeable, caring and passionate hands. Thank you Ladies & Gentlemen!
2) Michael Phelps…whether you agree with or even like the idea of Michael swimming at this point in his life and career ‘Does not mean squat diddley’. What matters even more than a very respectable swim and win in the 200 Fly on Day 3 is the smile he exhibited as he got out of the pool, and the very genuine interview with Rowdy & Ted and the crowd directly after the race. Michael seems to be in a very good place and enjoying this time in his life, whatever his motivations and goals are. I say, ‘Good on ya Mate!
3) The hospitality of Santa Clara Swimming is absolutely outstanding!
4) A two and a half hour ISHOF luncheon was highlighted by a record turnout of Synchronized Swimmers from the 1955 USA Pan American Team. Do the math folks, these ladies were wonderful and it was exciting to see them laugh and share from their past glories and experiences in life and in the pool. All during lunch ‘vintage’ black & white films from the ISHOF archives were projected on big screens around the room. It was like being in a Martinellis, soda & water Aquatic Sports Bar. Hmmm?!
5) The ISHOF Induction Ceremony was likened by one Honoree as the ‘Oscars’ of the Aquatic/Swimming World. As a regular attendee of the event (this was my 12th!) I would have to agree. While designer gowns and fancy tuxes are not the norm, the ‘jewels’ were to found throughout the Santa Clara Convention Center Ballroom. Olympians, past Honorees, National Team members, Master Swimmers, Coaches, and the current Inductees to be honored made for a most entertaining and delightful evening. Swimming’s own John Naber emceed the evening’s program providing his unique, insightful and wonderful hosting abilities.
Note-A new swimming record of sort was set last evening with new Honoree 85 year old USA Coach Don Watson having more than 70 individuals turn out for his induction. The furthest coming from Katmandu, Nepal. Congratulations Coach and all
the other Honorees of this ISHOF Class of 2015!
I swam US Master’s Nationals at Santa Clara and loved that venue, especially the massive concrete awning over the spectator stand to beat that hot sun! I agree with #3, Phelps is actually exceeding my expectations at this point and I’m psyched to hear he’s training hard and enjoying it. I love the Batman/Robin rivalry with Kalisz and right now, he’s holding off Kalisz to retain Batman status at this point. Should be a great 2IM race tonight, and I do believe Phelps will take it handily over Kalisz. (With Prenot possibly dipping under 2:00 too for 3rd). It’s a good sign the G.O.A.T. can still pull off the 2Fly win when Kalisz has been beating him in practice, that’s a sign of some good mental toughness!! But overall, my expectations for him are few at this point and more hopes than expectations: I just want him to keep having fun, stay healthy mentally and physically, and make the Olympic team in something next year, only because the Olympics wouldn’t be as fun without him!!
Well (and kindly) said.