The Week That Was, Sponsored by Suitmate 
The Week That Was #1: As Emcee, Dara Torres Shares Sensational Stories At Hall of Fame Induction; Wonderful Messages Relayed
Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
By John Lohn – Editor-In-Chief
The way she commanded the room, behind her charisma and easy-going way, reflected the way she operated during an illustrious career. During her competitive days, Dara Torres established herself as one of the greatest performers in history, a 12-time Olympic medalist who proved anything is possible when she raced to three silver medals as a 41-year-old at the 2008 Games in Beijing.
On Saturday night, Torres served as emcee of the International Swimming Hall of Fame induction, the 57th of its kind. It was an evening to celebrate many of the greats in the sport, and Torres was captivating as always. She made the crowd laugh, but she was poignant, too. Really, she was the perfect host. Read More…
The Week That Was #2: Highlights From the International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
By John Lohn – Editor-In-Chief
Throughout the International Swimming Hall of Fame induction ceremony over the weekend, members of the Class of 2022 shared numerous stories during their enshrinement speeches. It was truly a celebratory event in Fort Lauderdale, the 57th of its kind. Here are a few highlights from this special evening.
The 1988 Olympic champion in the 100-meter backstroke, Japan’s Daichi Suzuki was known for his underwater prowess, and that theme was a big part of Suzuki’s induction. During his speech, Suzuki acknowledged rival David Berkoff – who revolutionized underwater kicking – for laying groundwork and motivating him to elevate his performances. Read More…
The Week That Was #3: The Stars Came Out: What A Night At the International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Photo Courtesy: John Lohn
By John Lohn – Editor-In-Chief
To the left. To the right. In front and behind.
Anywhere the head turned.
A look around the Grand Ballroom at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa on Saturday night was to cast eyes on greatness. The evening was a party, the induction night for the Class of 2022 into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. It was perfect that five-time Olympian Dara Torres, a Hall of Famer herself, served as the emcee. Read More…
The Week That Was #4: Hall Of Fame Week: Craig Beardsley Continues to Motivate and Give Back
Photo Courtesy: Swim Across America
By John Lohn – Editor-In-Chief
A standout swimmer from NYC, Craig Beardsley unfortunately had his opportunity for a gold medal stolen. After the United States decided to boycott the 1980 Olympic Games, Beardsley’s chance to earn a gold medal was stripped away. As the favorite in the 200-meter butterfly for these Games, it was devastating to have dreams erased by the political issues in the world. Beardsley attempted to qualify for Team USA in 1984, but he placed third in Olympic Trials in the 200 fly, just three-tenths shy of qualifying for the Los Angeles Games. Read More…
The Week That Was #5: Hall Of Fame Week: When Michael Klim Led An Olympic and Air Guitar Performance For the Ages (Video)
Michael Klim and the gold-medal Australian Relay team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics
By John Lohn – Editor-In-Chief
Hope is a powerful sentiment. In the months leading into the 27th Olympiad, Australia was deemed a major threat to the United States’ stranglehold on the 400 meter freestyle relay title. With two bona fide stars, veteran Michael Klim and teenage sensation Ian Thorpe, the Aussies featured stellar bookend options for the relay, with the middle legs of Chris Fydler and Ashley Callus more than reliable. With the necessary ingredients present, Australia was confident it could capture—on home soil—the biggest Olympic victory in its history. Read More…