Michael Phelps, Bob Bowman Presented With Tiles From Old Pool At Hall of Fame; Gesture Recognizes Last WR Set in Fort Lauderdale

Michael Phelps, Bob Bowman Presented With Tiles From Old Pool At Hall of Fame; Gesture Recognizes Last WR Set in Fort Lauderdale

Just before the start of the International Swimming Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday night, Michael Phelps and Bob Bowman were presented with tiles from Lane Five from the old pool that stood at the Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale. The venue, which has since been renovated into a state-of-the-art facility, served as the site of one of Phelps’ early world records.

At the 2002 United States National Championships, Phelps engaged in an epic duel with Erik Vendt in the 400-meter individual medley, with both men finishing under the former world record of Tom Dolan. Ultimately, it was Phelps who was credited with the global standard, thanks to a time of 4:11.09. That effort clipped the 4:11.27 of Vendt.

Through the years, 10 world records have been set in Fort Lauderdale, and Phelps’ mark from 2002 is the last of the bunch. More, that record started a stretch in which Phelps held the world record in the 400 individual medley for more than 20 years. That run came to an end over the summer when Frenchman Leon Marchand, also coached by Bowman, broke Phelps’ last standing record.

Phelps and Bowman were presented the tiles from the old pool by Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and Commissioner Steve Glassman. The idea for the presentation was that of Laura Voet, the Manager of the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center. Voet was recently honored by the International Swimming Hall of Fame and has long been a driving force behind aquatics in South Florida.

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Stu Marvin

6 months ago

That whole idea was Laura Voet’s, who is the manager of the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center. Laura oversaw the entire design and construction project. Kudos to her for having the foresight to save some tiles from the original pool to use them for moments like this. Hats off to Laura Voet!!!

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John Lohn - Editor-in-Chief

6 months ago

Reply to Stu Marvin

Thanks Stu! Added the info you provided to the piece. Much appreciated!

Chris Derks

6 months ago

Reply to Stu Marvin

You all and Laura were a great team.

Kurt Wienants

6 months ago

Laura has done an unbelievable job overseeing the renovation of that iconic facility. So glad to see her being recognized.