ISHOF Publishes New Book: Swimmers: Courage and Triumph

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, September 19. THE International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) recently announced the publication of Swimmers: Courage and Triumph, a photographic and written exploration of some of swimming's most compelling personalities. Compiled by Larry Thompson and sponsored by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), Swimmers: Courage and Triumph, will only be available to members of ISHOF and will serve as a premium and incentive to attract new members to the organization.

"ISHOF is all about telling the great stories of swimming history with the idea of inspiring people not just to swim, but acquire the ‘will to win,' whether the challenge is in the pool or in life," said ISHOF's CEO Bruce Wigo. "That's why when Larry Thompson approached us with his idea for Swimmers: Courage and Triumph, we felt this would be an ideal vehicle to help us launch our 2007– 08 membership drive."

"We view this book as a wonderful way to raise the visibility and profile of the International Swimming Hall of Fame," said Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., CEO of NSPF. "NSPF has sponsored this book with the express purpose of encouraging others to support ISHOF who is of immeasurable value to encourage more people to live a healthy life through swimming and aquatics."

"This book is a must read," said Donna de Varona, Olympic swimming champion, broadcast journalist, author and motivational speaker. "It captures all the dimensions of the competitive spirit, the pain, the passion, the disappointments and the rewards. While seeking gold is often portrayed as the ultimate goal of competitive sport the real value in seeking excellence, as told through the stories of the individuals in this book, it is the process of daring to dream, to risk and to work hard without any guarantees."

"A powerful and worthwhile book for anyone who puts on goggles," said P.H. Mullen, author of Gold in the Water.

"This depiction of enthusiasm for swimming and courage is an inspiration to all members of our aquatic family and to the public at large," said Rob Copeland, President of United States Masters Swimming.

Swimmers: Courage and Triumph profiles many Olympic swimmers including Mark Spitz, Jenny Thompson and Natalie Coughlin. Open water swimmers Lynne Cox and Marcy MacDonald, Masters swimmer Rich Abrahams, and disabled swimmers Jeff Keith and Melanie Benn. Renowned sports writers Phil Whitten, John Lohn, Bill Volckening, Kari Lydersen and Jeremy Shweder have contributed the written profiles. The book is photographed and edited by Larry Thompson. Any individual who joins ISHOF as a basic member ($35.00) or higher level, will receive a complimentary copy of Swimmers: Courage and Triumph ($24.95 retail value) and other benefits of membership, including a copy of ISHOF's 2007 Yearbook ($19.95 retail value). For more information about joining ISHOF and the benefits of membership, visit ISHOF's web site at www.ishof.org/membership.

Click here to view Inside ISHOF podcast covering the book.

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