ISHOF is proud to announce that this year, we will have co-Master of Ceremonies for the 2020 Induction Class of Honorees. Rowdy Gaines and Debbie Meyer will both be with us.
Florida’s own, Rowdy Gaines, is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, eight-time world record holder and everyone’s favorite swimming sportscaster. Rowdy’s enthusiasm for the sport and love of aquatics will make it a night to remember.
Rowdy Gaines after competition
Rowdy still swims Masters and hosts the Rowdy Gaines Classic every October in Orlando, Florida. This year, 2020, Tokyo, will mark the eighth Olympic Games that Rowdy will be covering for NBC in the pool.
Rowdy Gaines at the 2015 Women’s NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships
Debbie Meyer was the USA’s golden girl. She was the first to win three individual gold medals at one Olympic Games (1968 Mexico City), was the first woman to swim the 1500m under 18 minutes and the first to take the 400m under 4:30. She held 15 world records and in 1968 was selected as the Sullivan Award Winner.
Debbie Meyer with medals
Debbie recently moved to Reno, Nevada with her husband, Bill Weber. She has always stayed involved in swimming by coaching, talking to and inspiring teams and of course, swimming regularly. You will always find Debbie supporting swimming, at events, such as Olympic Trials, Golden Googles and others.
Debbie Meyer casting her handprint
About the International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Weekend:
The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Induction Ceremony is shaping up to be a star-studded weekend with multiple events spread out over two days in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Make your plans now to attend the weekend of April 24-25, 2020! 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:
HONOR SWIMMERS: Brendan Hansen (USA), Michael Klim (AUS), Jon Sieben (AUS), Rebecca Soni (USA), and Daichi Suzuki (JPN)
HONOR DIVER: Matthew Mitcham (AUS)
HONOR SYNCHRONIZED (ARTISTIC) SWIMMER: Elvira Khasyanova (RUS)
HONOR WATER POLO: Mirko Vicevic (YUG/MON)
HONOR OPEN WATER SWIMMER: Marilyn Bell (CAN)
HONOR COACH: Ursula Carlile (AUS) and David Marsh (USA)
HONOR CONTRIBUTOR: Bob Duenkel*(USA) and Peter Hurzeler (SUI)
In addition to the Class of 2020, two Honorees from the Class of 2019, who were unable to attend last year, will be present to be inducted. Honor Swimmer: Otylia Jedrzejczak (POL) and Honor Diver: Li Ting (CHN).
Get more information about this year’s induction class here and more information about Otylia Jedrzejczak and Li Ting.
*deceased
The Induction Weekend Schedule
Friday, April 24, 2020
Paragon & ISHOF Awards Night
- 5:30 PM Cocktails
- 6:30 PM ISHOF and Paragon Awards
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Honoree Induction Day Luncheon
- 12-1:30 PM Luncheon
Official 56th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
- 6:00 PM VIP Reception
- 7:00 –10:00 PM Induction Ceremony
Ticket Information
- April 24-26 Complete Weekend Package (Includes Paragon/ISHOF Awards Night, Saturday Luncheon, and Induction Ceremony)
- April 24 Paragon Awards and ISHOF Awards Night (Hors D’oeuvres and Open Bar) 5:30 PM
- April 25 Saturday Luncheon 12:00-1:30 pm
- April 25 Induction Ceremony and Dinner 6:00 PM
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 $279 per night
Book your group rate for International Swimming Hall of Fame
NOTE: RESORT FEE IS INCLUDED in the $279 rate
Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 524-8733
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $229 per night
Book your hotel through the group rate for ISHOF Honoree Ceremony
Questions: contact Meg Keller-Marvin at meg@ishof.org or 570-594-4367
