Brent Rutemiller To Receive ISHOF’s Lifetime Achievement Award
How do we begin to put the career of Brent Rutemiller into perspective? That’s a difficult question, given his enduring contributions to swimming and the various roles in which he has contributed to the sport. Then again, the fact that there is so much to choose from only emphasizes why Rutemiller has been chosen as this year’s recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Rutemiller will receive his award when ISHOF holds its annual induction weekend Sept. 29-30 in Fort Lauderdale.
A standout letterwinner for Eastern Kentucky University and now an informal swim coach to his grandchildren, swimming has long been a part of Rutemiller’s life. A Level 5 certified coach by the American Swimming Coaches Association, he first coached successful teams in Indiana and Kentucky, totaling 11 championships and five undefeated seasons.
Rutemiller then contributed as a coach with the Mission Viejo Nadadores and served as a coach with both the Phoenix Swim Club and Scottsdale Aquatic Club. Along the way, his swimmers earned state titles, All-American status, numerous personal-best times and owned a genuine love for the water. Perhaps his greatest coaching achievement can be found in the joy he generated in the countless Special Olympians he mentored. Because of his coaching prowess, Rutemiller guided several of these athletes to significant success. Yet, his impact is most evident in the smiles and pride displayed by his Special Olympians.
Initially a part of the Swimming World Magazine family as the creator of the Aquazoids, an educational animated series that has been printed in more than 150 countries, Rutemiller eventually joined Swimming World as its head of advertising. Over time, his influence grew, to the point where he ascended to publisher.
In his role as publisher, Rutemiller led a charge against doping in the sport, and fronted Swimming World’s decision to strip several East German athletes of their world and regional swimmer of the year accolades. He also served as writer for the magazine, tackling critical issues such as doping, governance and mental health. His work was cited globally by television stations, newspapers, magazines and online outlets.
Before podcasts became popular, Rutemiller created The Morning Swim Show, an online TV series which interviewed some of the top names in the sport. More, Rutemiller oversaw the merger of Swimming World with the International Swimming Hall of Fame, as he recognized the importance of joining the two best-known entities in the sport. With Rutemiller at the helm, the Hall of Fame embarked on the development of a new museum and, in cooperation with the city of Fort Lauderdale, the construction of a new aquatics facility.
USA Swimming once recognized Rutemiller as one of the 30 most-influential figures in the sport and the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association presented Rutemiller with its Collegiate Award in 2023.
Obviously, Rutemiller’s career is spectacular in nature and tonight he is deeply deserving of ISHOF’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Great to see & well deserved!
Way T GOOOOO Brent. Loved Aquazoids!! THE ARMY…
I loved Aquazoids too!!