BY Phillip Whitten
February 11. VENEZUELAN swimmers are organizing a “Million Meter Swim,” set for tomorrow, Feb. 12, to honor the memory of Rafael Vidal, 1984 Olympic bronze medalist in the 200-meter butterfly (1:57.51). Swimmers from around the world may sign up to participate at www.vaacmaster.com.ve/millondemetros/contribuyentes.htm.
As of today, more than 4,100 swimmers from 26 countries have signed up to honor the memory of a beloved athlete – Venezuela’s only Olympic medalist – and popular television personality.
Organizers also hope the swim will bring attention to the fact that exactly one year after the auto accident that killed Rafael, the individual responsible for his death has not even been charged.
As reported on SwimmingWorldMagazine.com, Rafael Vidal died in Caracas, in the early morning of February 12, 2005 when Roberto Detto, a 24-year-old Venezuelan crashed into Vidal’s Toyota Corolla, killing him instantly.
Despite the fact that Vidal was declared a “national icon” in a posthumous proclamation by the Venezuelan National Assembly, no charges have yet been filed against Detto.