Bob Duenkel Retires From International Swimming Hall of Fame

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Bob Duenkel has retired from the International Swimming Hall of Fame after 40 years of service with the much-appreciate institution.

ISHOF sent out this great recap of Duenkel’s career in its latest newsletter:

Bob Duenkel is as much a part of the Hall of Fame as any Honoree or any display. He started at the Hall of Fame in 1977 as staff member and leaves us as the Executive Director and Curator .

Bob has had a love of swimming for most of his life. He began swimming for the YMCA of New Jersey, went on to swim through high school where in 1960, he was a State Record Holder, a NJ AAU Junior Champion, and a NJ AAU Senior Champion. He attended Kansas State University where he was a many time record holder and multi-award winner in swimming and played on the first ever Kansas State Water Polo Team.

After graduating from Kansas State with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Physical Education, Bob moved to South Florida, where he got his State of Florida Teachers Certificate. He taught at Northeast High School as a Physical Education Teacher, worked as a water safety instructor and worked for the Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol, all before joining the International Swimming Hall of Fame full time in 1976.

In addition to working at ISHOF, Bob swam Masters, where he was a Florida State Champion, as well as an AAU All-American. In 1976, he also began coaching swimming at Broward Community College and in 1978 was named National Junior College Swimming Coach of the Year. In 1976, he took over the running of Camp Chikopi, a boys Sports and Wilderness Camp in Ontario, Canada, the World’s first Swimming Camps founded in 1920 by US Olympic Swim Coach Matt Mann II. Bob and his wife, Colette, still own and run Camp Chikopi today.

In 1988, the USA won the FINA Long Distance Cup Championships, coached by Bob Duenkel; In 1997, he was named in Aquatic’s Magazine’s, “Who’s Who in Aquatics”; In 1997, Bob received the Glen S. Hummer Award, given by USA Swimming to the person or group making the greatest contribution to long distance swimming; In 1998, he was elected Treasurer of the International Association of Sports Museums and Halls of Fames; and in 1999, he was inducted into the Orange, New Jersey Athletics Hall of Fame.

Bob is like a walking encyclopedia of swimming history and facts. He knows everyone, every swimmer, ever Olympiad, every event, every time and every stroke. The Hall of Fame will never be the same without Bob Duenkel. Bob Duenkel will retire on Saturday, January 9, 2016. His retirement ends an era at the International Swimming Hall of Fame. No one will ever be able to replace Robert T. Duenkel.

If you are in the area, and would like to say good-bye, we are having a retirement party for Bob on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at ISHOF at 6:30pm.

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Chad Cradock

8 years ago

So proud of Bob. He is one of the greatest leaders and mentors one can have. Thank you for all you have given to me, the sport of swimming and ISHOF.

Terry MacNeil

8 years ago

Thank you Bob for being a great role model for all of the swimmers you have coached and led at Camp Chikpoi. I still remember visiting the ISHOF to this day and I’ll never forget it.

Tavie Cobb

8 years ago

Doesn’t seem like it has been that long ago that you were coaching on the BCC pool deck and working around the ISHOF museum and pool! Thanks for passing on your love of swimming to so many over the years! Congrats on your retirement!

Kamil Cepelak

8 years ago

THANK YOU BOB. Time flies but good memories will last forever. You have done so much for all around you atthe ISHOF and for us at summer Camp Chikopi and wishing you a great year 2016. Regards to your family as well.

Polly

8 years ago

Congratulations for the acknowledgment of all your accomplishments! You are truly more than the records and awards. The impact your life has had on so many young people is far greater!! Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement Bob!!!

MaryLea Mann Benson

8 years ago

Reply to Polly

I agree with Polly. Thank you for all your accomplishments and especially for keeping Camp Chikopi a going concern. Our Grandfather and Father would applaud you. Good luck in your retirement, have fun and we might just see you this summer.

Karen Smith

8 years ago

Bob’s accolades are by far outstanding. He is a stand up guy who has a heart of gold. His ability to mentor young boys is beyond explanation. His soft voice, strong values, knowledge and work ethic have been instilled in many Chikopi boys. The result has been hundreds of strong, successful. stand up men. Thank you, Bob for all that you do. Enjoy retirement!

David MacNeil

8 years ago

I’m am so honoured to know Bob and to call him a friend and mentor for the past 30 years. I first met Bob at Camp Chikopi in 1986 and it was easy to determine his passions: Chikopi and ISHOF. The world and especially world of swimming is a better place because of you Bob. Cheers.

Kathy baker

8 years ago

Congratulations on your retirement Bob. Although we have never met I live on Lake Cecebe, your neighbouring lake up in Canada and have always followed the events of both Camps Chikopi and Ak-O-Mak. Enjoy your retirement – you have earned it. Hope to see you around MAGNETAWAN this summer.

Chuck Kroll

8 years ago

Bob Duenkel is a true ‘gem’ in our wet, wild and wonderful World of Aquatics!
I have been privileged and honored to know Bob through ISHOF for many years.
God Bless you sir in your years of ‘retirement.’

Jim Mount

8 years ago

Bob, I have many fond memories, starting back on the beach and the pool deck and later having the opportunity to swim for you at BBC. Enjoy your well deserved retirement.

Renee Hilaski Allen

8 years ago

Congratulations Bob! Buck Dawson would be proud! Thanks for your many years of service to the swimming world! Renee Hilaski Allen (Ak-O-Mak)