{"id":340849,"date":"2018-12-05T04:00:59","date_gmt":"2018-12-05T11:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=340849"},"modified":"2018-12-06T23:51:35","modified_gmt":"2018-12-07T06:51:35","slug":"swimming-world-presents-a-voice-for-the-sport-the-10-most-impactful-people-of-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/swimming-world-presents-a-voice-for-the-sport-the-10-most-impactful-people-of-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Swimming World Presents “A Voice for the Sport: The 10 Most Impactful People of 2018”"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0Commentary by Brent Rutemiller, CEO of ISHOF and Publisher of Swimming World Magazine
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Our sport is graced with great people. Some are public figures, others work behind the scenes. As appropriate for this time of year, we want to recognize 10 people (in random order) who are making an impact in aquatics. Thanks to the following people for their contributions and inspiration:<\/p>\n

\"Nancy<\/p>\n

Nancy Hogshead-Makar.<\/strong> This three-time 1984 USA Olympic gold medal swimmer has been a powerful voice and advocate for equality and accountability in sport. Since 2012, she has worked to bring legislative changes that assure Olympic sport athletes are protected from sexual abuse. Her calls for change were instrumental in executive changes within the United States Olympic Committee\u2019s leadership earlier this year.<\/p>\n

\"Eddie<\/p>\n

Eddie Reese<\/strong>. Reese is an unparalleled coach who has shown tremendous leadership by winning more titles in men\u2019s NCAA swimming (14) than any other coach in history. He is in his 41st year at Texas University and shows no signs of slowing down.<\/p>\n

\"Bill<\/p>\n

Bill Schalz.<\/strong> This 10-time Illinois state team championship high school coach and member of the Illinois Swimming Association Hall of Fame gained national attention for chairing a task force that restructured the governance of USA Swimming. After 30 months, the task force completed its mission, and the final changes were approved in September of this year, allowing USA Swimming to better serve its 400,000 membership.<\/p>\n

\"Peter<\/p>\n

Peter Bick.<\/strong> The most respected photographer in the sport of swimming continues to produce iconic photos for the world to enjoy. A friend to everyone on the pool deck, Bick has been an important part of capturing the historic moments within aquatic sports. Long after everyone has gone home after an event, Bick can be found in a back room rendering his photos for timely release to the media.<\/p>\n

\"teri-mckeever\"<\/p>\n

Teri McKeever.<\/strong> The first woman to become a head coach for a USA Olympic swim team (2012 London) continues to make an impact in the sport, as she coached Kathleen Baker to an American record in the 200 yard backstroke at the spring 2018 NCAA Championships. Baker went on to set the world record in the 100 meter backstroke in mid-summer. McKeever\u2019s consistency in producing championship-caliber people year after year ranks her as one of the greatest female coaches of all time.<\/p>\n

\"Greg<\/p>\n

Greg Eggert.<\/strong> He is the person behind the scenes on international and national issues, news and political issues surrounding Olympic aquatic sports. Eggert has been instrumental in getting things accomplished within the YMCA, United States Aquatic Sports, Union American De Natacion (UANA) and the FINA News Bureau.<\/p>\n

\"Steven<\/p>\n

Steven Munatones.<\/strong> The godfather of open water swimming is a pioneer in growing and showcasing the still-emerging sport of open water swimming. As the founder of the World Open Water Swim Association (WOWSA), Munatones brings the best that the sport has to offer to the forefront of public awareness. From marathon swims to ice swims, he is bringing all elements of open water challenges into one family that recognizes and celebrates all world records, including the extreme.<\/p>\n

\"Nadine<\/p>\n

Nadine Day.<\/strong> This effervescent and omnipresent leader has redefined volunteerism through her willingness to take on demanding leadership positions in aquatic sports. As past-president of United States Masters Swimming\u2014and with her current roles within the United States Aquatic Sports Federation\u2014Day\u2019s dedication has been a hallmark of her leadership style.<\/p>\n

\"steve_photo\"<\/p>\n

Steve McFarland.<\/strong> As past-president of USA Diving and United States Aquatic Sports, McFarland has done everything there is to do in diving: dive, coach, market, administer, broadcast and promote. As he turns his leadership reins over to the next generation, McFarland leaves a remarkable legacy.<\/p>\n

\"Rob<\/p>\n

Rob Sleamaker.<\/strong> It is not every day that a physiologist turns into an entrepreneur and creates a product that becomes a critical part of sport training. Sleamaker, the creator of the VASA Swim Bench, has survived the test of time with his swim benches incorporated into a majority of elite training programs around the world. Never settling for the status quo, Sleamaker continues to educate and improve on ways to influence peak performance in athletes.<\/p>\n

Previous People Recognized<\/h2>\n

View 2017 Most Impactful<\/a><\/p>\n

View 2016 Most Impactful<\/a><\/p>\n

View 2015 Most Impactful<\/a><\/p>\n

The December 2018 issue of Swimming World Magazine <\/em>is available now! Swimming World subscribers can download this issue in the Swimming World Vault<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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[PHOTO BY LAPRESSE\/ PROVIDED BY ARENA]<\/strong><\/p>\n

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