Happy 69th Birthday to Brent Rutemiller! His Memory Endures
It’s been 270 days since Brent Rutemiller left this earth. In those nine months, not a day has passed in which his memory did not invoke a smile, or in which his influence was not felt. Today, Brent would have been 69 years old. He would have hopped in the pool and logged his latest birthday swim. He would have climbed out of the water, feeling accomplished and having inspired others through his dedication to health and fitness.
As we remember Brent on his birthday, Swimming World and Brent’s family are asking the swimming community to recognize Brent by swimming a few laps in his honor. The swim can be posted to social media, with the hashtags #BResilient and #314birthdayswim.
In the meantime, we recall all Brent accomplished.
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How do we begin to put the career of Brent Rutemiller into perspective? That’s a difficult question, given his enduring contributions to swimming and the various roles in which he has contributed to the sport. Then again, the fact that there is so much to choose from only emphasizes why Brent was a significant figure in the sport, including receiving the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award and USA Swimming’s Max Ritter Award.
A standout letterwinner for Eastern Kentucky University and an informal swim coach to his grandchildren, swimming was long part of Brent’s life. A Level 5 certified coach by the American Swimming Coaches Association, he first coached successful teams in Indiana and Kentucky, totaling 11 championships and five undefeated seasons.
Brent then contributed as a coach with the Mission Viejo Nadadores and served as a coach with both the Phoenix Swim Club and Scottsdale Aquatic Club. Along the way, his swimmers earned state titles, All-American status, numerous personal-best times and owned a genuine love for the water. Perhaps his greatest coaching achievement can be found in the joy he generated in the countless Special Olympians he mentored. Because of his coaching prowess, Brent guided several of these athletes to significant success. Yet, his impact was most evident in the smiles and pride displayed by his Special Olympians.
Initially a part of the Swimming World Magazine family as the creator of the Aquazoids, an educational animated series that has been printed in more than 150 countries, Brent eventually joined Swimming World as its head of advertising. Over time, his influence grew, to the point where he ascended to publisher.
In his role as publisher, Brent led a charge against doping in the sport, and fronted Swimming World’s decision to strip several East German athletes of their world and regional swimmer of the year accolades. He also served as a writer for the magazine, tackling critical issues such as doping, governance and mental health. His work was cited globally by television stations, newspapers, magazines and online outlets.
Before podcasts became popular, Brent created The Morning Swim Show, an online TV series which interviewed some of the top names in the sport. More, Brent oversaw the merger of Swimming World with the International Swimming Hall of Fame. With Brent at the helm, the Hall of Fame embarked on the development of a new museum and, in cooperation with the city of Fort Lauderdale, the construction of a new aquatics facility.
On Brent’s 69th birthday, it would have been wonderful to see him complete a few laps. Instead, we’ll fondly remember his impact on the sport, and his lasting influence. They will be remembered.
Happy birthday, Brent!
Miss you my friend.
Great article John as always. Thanks for writing it to keep Brend’s memory alive. Your words and his example, shine and act as a beacon in the world family of aquatics. You have both been some of the finest unsung and tireless heroes of our field. You in words and Brend in deeds, both important to set fire in our hearts!