Splashbacks 2020 – Sept.-Oct.: Sadness, Sorrow and Loss Owned the Headlines
The news that garnered the most attention on the Swimming World website during September and October was dark in nature. A pair of deaths made the headlines, as did the eliminations of two collegiate programs. With the COVID-19 pandemic still hanging over the sport, these two months continued a dark trend for 2020. Here is a look at the top-10 stories for September and October.
Previous Splashbacks
1. The Death of Fran Crippen: Dick Shoulberg Reflects on a Special Person
Fran Crippen – Photo Courtesy: Fran Crippen Elevation Foundation
On the 10th anniversary of Fran Crippen’s tragic death in an open-water competition in Dubai that should have never taken place due to unsafe conditions, Crippen’s coach from his high school and club days at Germantown Academy remembered his pupil. Dick Shoulberg took time to share stories about Crippen and talk about what made him a successful man and competitor.
2. Passages: Michigan Mourning Death of Swimmer Ian Miskelley
The news that 19-year-old Ian Miskelley died suddenly broke in early September, with the Wolverine and swimming community going into mourning. Miskelley was lauded for his work ethic and was a Michigan state champion in high school before he took his talents to the Big Ten Conference.
3. Michigan State University to Cut Swimming & Diving After 2020-21 Season
For the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic started, a Big Ten Conference program was cut. Following the elimination of the University of Iowa programs, Michigan State announced it was getting rid of its swimming programs at the conclusion of the 2021 postseason. The announcement was another blow for the sport, which has seen far too many programs axed.
4. Passages: High School Standout Jakob Mumper Killed in Triple Murder-Suicide
The tragic news of Jakob Mumper’s death emerged in early September when it was reported that Mumper’s father killed his wife, daughter and son before committing suicide. Mumper competed for Bloomington North High School and was an Indiana state qualifier in the sprint-freestyle events.
5. Strong Women are Beautiful Women: Growing Up in a Swimmer’s Body
Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick
This article was a celebration of the female body and emphasized how the muscular build of women’s swimmers is beautiful and should be appreciated. The piece was written in response to the fact that sometimes, the strength of female athletes is overlooked or is not viewed in positive fashion.
6. Michigan Swimmer Ian Miskelley Remembered After Tragic Suicide; Family, Team ‘Carrying Ian With Us’
A few days after the unexpected death of Michigan swimmer Ian Miskelley was ruled a suicide, the life of the 19-year-old was remembered by those close to him. More, Miskelley’s father took time to discuss the importance of mental health and the need to address depression.
7. William & Mary to Cut Swimming & Diving After 2020-21 Season
In what continued a negative trend, William & Mary announced it was cutting seven athletic programs, including its men’s and women’s swimming programs. While this decision was eventually reversed, the initial move to eliminate the sport was met with anger and triggered a push to save the programs.
8. Ranking the Top NCAA Division I Women’s Swimmers For 2020-21 From 1-25
As the fall NCAA season prepared to start, Andy Ross took the time to order the best female swimmers at the Division I college level. The top spot was occupied by the University of Michigan’s Maggie MacNeil, a Canadian star and the reigning world champion in the 100-meter butterfly.
9. A Look at the Training Sets of World-Record Holder Caeleb Dressel
Photo Courtesy: Mine Kasapoglu / ISL
Readers flocked to this story, which took a look at some of the workouts that Caeleb Dressel handled under the watch of coach Gregg Troy. It wasn’t surprising to see this article become a hit since Dressel is the world’s premier swimmer of the day and the chance to see what he does in training is intriguing.
10. Swimming From a Non-Swimmer’s Perspective
This article was written by Swimming World intern Angelle Cortes and provided a unique vantage point in that it was an appreciation of the sport from someone with a limited competitive background. It was refreshing to see someone from outside the pool reflect on why they respect swimmers and the sport.