Bob Duenkel’s greatest contribution to swimming, was his 40+ years of dedication and service to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, which he began in 1976. As ISHOF CEO, Buck Dawson’s assistant, he absorbed the history of swimming like a sponge, and not just from Dawson, but from the real greats, like Johnny Weissmuller, Eleanor Holm, Buster Crabbe, Esther Williams and many, many more.
Bob Duenkel on Canada Day
Duenkel’s knowledge of swimming history was encyclopedic. He studied and knew all the minutiae of swimming and swimmers, from the ancient Greek swimmer Leander to the most recent inductee, every Olympiad, every event, every time and every stroke.
Come and hear Duenkel’s incredible life story and commitment to aquatics history at the ISHOF Induction dinner on Saturday, October 9, 2021. Become an ISHOF Legacy Member and attend the ISHOF Induction Dinner for FREE. Can’t attend the event? Please consider donating to ISHOF, support Duenkel and our other inspirational Honorees.
Bob Duenkel with Olympian Michael Phelps at the International Swimming Hall of Fame
More about Bob Duenkel:
Bob Duenkel was the ISHOF museum curator and presided over 40 years of ISHOF Induction ceremonies. From 2004-2005 he served as interim CEO and Executive Director until his retirement in 2016. For any visitor to ISHOF, Duenkel was an invaluable resource, always there to tell a story, clarify any facts or just to toss off a quip or two. He made a wonderful ambassador of ISHOF to any and every event he attended, whether it was the NCAA’s, Olympic Trials or the Association of Sports Museums and Hall of Fame, Duenkel was admired and respected by all who knew him.
Bob Duenkel speaking at the International Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
He was given the Glenn Hummer Award in 1997 by USA Swimming. In 1997, he was named one of “Who’s Who in Aquatics” by Aquatics International Magazine. He was inducted into the West Orange (NJ) Hall of Fame in 2018, and that same year, he was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.
Bob Duenkel speaking outside the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Make your plans now to attend the weekend of October 9, 2021! ISHOF Members can purchase the Complete Weekend Package (see below) and save! (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 Honorees
Brendan Hansen – Swimming
Rebecca Soni – Swimming
Elvira Khasyanova– Synchronized (Artistic) Swimmer
David Marsh – Coach
Bob Duenkel – ISHOF Contributor
Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees
Clay Britt – Swimming
David Cotton – Diving
Kerry O’Brien – Coach Contributor
Rose Cody – Artistic Swimming
Paragon and ISHOF Specialty Awards
Eddie Reese – 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award
Teri McKeever – Competitive Swimming
Dave Burgering – Competitive Diving
Betty Hazle – Synchronized Swimming
Lynn Comer Kachmarik – Water Polo
Florence Werner – Recreational Swimming
*deceased
The Induction Weekend Schedule
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Honoree Induction Day Luncheon – Meet Rowdy Gaines and go on a behind the scenes tour of the Aquatic Complex construction
- 11:30-12:30 pm Luncheon Followed By Tour
Official 56th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner
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- 5:30 pm VIP Reception
- 6:30 –10:00 pm Induction Ceremony & Dinner
10 Person Table $3,500 and $5,000 (Prime location) options
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 $259 per night
Book your group rate for International Swimming Hall of Fame
NOTE: RESORT FEE IS INCLUDED in the $259 rate
Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 524-8733
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $169 per night
Honoree Ceremony October 9, 2021
Start Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2021
End Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Last Day to Book: Friday, September 15, 2021
Book your group rate for Honoree Ceremony October 2021
Questions: contact Meg Keller-Marvin at meg@ishof.org or 570-594-4367
Congratulations