A Voice for the Sport: International Swimming Hall of Fame Poised for Greatness
Commentary by Brent Rutemiller, CEO and Publisher of Swimming World Magazine.
For those who have not been following events surrounding the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF), please let me bring you up to date. It was announced last year on Nov. 3 that Swimming World would merge operations with the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Over the past 11 months, much progress has been made to consolidate these two important institutions. A major event took place in August 2018 when Sports Publications, International—Parent Corporation of Swimming World—transferred its stock to the International Swimming Hall of Fame. The transaction brings more financial stability to ISHOF and allows the transition of Swimming World Magazine subscribers to become ISHOF members, and Swimming World advertisers to become ISHOF sponsors.
The inclusion of Swimming World properties into ISHOF’s portfolio creates new opportunities and new products that will elevate ISHOF. Significant upgrades to the museum are already underway, including the conversion of parts of the Henning Library into a television studio for new multi-media programming and products. Offices are being upgraded, and new Swimming World staff will relocate to Fort Lauderdale.
The stock transfer was predicated on two other major events that directly affected ISHOF. The most significant event was the announcement that the City of Fort Lauderdale will invest $27 million to renovate and upgrade the aquatic center, which will begin reconstruction as early as March of 2019 and should be completed in July of 2020.
As a result of the upgrades, there has been much interest in major events returning to Fort Lauderdale on a national and international basis. The infusion of new dollars for the facility has created excitement for the city and ISHOF that will surely extend to upgrades in the museum and its displays.
The month following the city’s $27 million approval to renovate the aquatic center, ISHOF and the Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners came to terms on a 30-year lease, ensuring that ISHOF remains permanently attached to the aquatic center. Within that agreement, the city has agreed to work with ISHOF to revert the name of the aquatic center back to the International Swimming Hall of Fame Aquatic Center with the intent of finding dollars from a presenting sponsor.
So, now that three strategic actions have taken place surrounding the International Swimming Hall of Fame, ISHOF is poised to fulfill its true mission. However, renovation, a long-term lease and the merger with Swimming World only establishes a strong foundation. It is up to everyone in the swimming community to build on this momentum to make things even better!
ISHOF’s leadership and board are now turning their attention to establishing a new vision on how it will display, archive and preserve the rich history of aquatic sports. And with any new idea, dollars will have to be obtained in order for any vision to reach its fruition. Look for ISHOF to set a new and exciting course, and in the meantime, please consider becoming a member of ISHOF and donating to help us preserve the history of aquatic sports.
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[PHOTO COURTESY: PETER H. BICK]
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FEATURES
022 SWIMMING’S RESPECTFUL REBEL
by Annie Grevers
Michael Andrew turned pro at the age of 14. He embraced the non-traditional Ultra-Short Race-Pace Training. Despite his naysayers, the 19-year-old fully believes he’s doing what he needs to do to pull out his God-given potential. And he proved it this summer with his men’s high-point performance at nationals and a 50 free gold medal at the Pan Pacific Championships.
026 FOR LOVE OF THE SPORT
by David Rieder
Kathleen Baker has always loved swimming. It’s been a motivating force that has helped her battle Crohn’s disease and that has led her to help others believe they can overcome their own medical challenges. And it’s a quality that she has shown throughout her career that’s included a world record, Olympic gold and silver plus medals of every color at the 2017 World Championships and 2018 Pan Pacific Championships.
030 A TRANSITION YEAR
by Dan D’Addona
College swimming may have lost the top two swimmers in the world—with Katie Ledecky turning pro and Caeleb Dressel graduating—but there will still be plenty of storylines to follow this college season.
COACHING
010 LESSONS WITH THE LEGENDS: DON WATSON
by Michael J. Stott
014 SWIMMING TECHNIQUE CONCEPTS: ISCA HALL OF FAME SUMMIT
by Rod Havriluk
This month’s article reports some of the highlights and coach reactions from the International Swim Coaches Association annual conference, held Aug. 28-31, in Clearwater Beach, Fla. Many coaches are now applying science to support their swimmers to swim faster and with fewer injuries.
016 TOYS FOR BOYS…AND GIRLS
by Michael J. Stott
Thanks to new and innovative equipment for training, today’s swimmers have enjoyed more productive workouts, resulting in faster swimming.
040 KNOW THYSELF…AND YOUR OPPONENT
by Michael J. Stott
A good race plan and an awareness of your opponents’ tendencies can help you perform at your best.
042 Q&A WITH COACH KAMI GARDNER
by Michael J. Stott
043 HOW THEY TRAIN EMILY HAGEBOECK
by Michael J. Stott
JUNIOR SWIMMER
045 UP & COMERS: MICHAEL PICKETT
by Taylor Brien
COLUMNS
008 A VOICE FOR THE SPORT
013 BEYOND THE YARDS
018 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
032 PREP SCHOOL DIRECTORY
046 GUTTER TALK
048 PARTING SHOT
