SAN DIEGO, September 13. THERE were no surprises this evening at the United States Aquatic Sports Banquet in San Diego, Calif., as Michael Phelps took home both the ConocoPhillips Performance Award and USA Swimming Swimmer of the Year Award, and his coach Bob Bowman was named the year's outstanding coach. <\/p>\n
Phelps: Swimmer of the Year<\/b>
\nPhelps, 18, of the North Baltimore Aquatic Club had an unparalleled year in 2003, winning four gold and two silver medals at the FINA World Championships, setting five world and seven American record records along the way. In addition, he became the first man in history to win five events at a U.S. Nationals, setting one world and three American records. <\/p>\n
He also won four events at the Mutual of Omaha Duel in the Pool, where he set one world, two American and three U.S. Open records. <\/p>\n
All told, he set eight world records this year \u2013 seven in a span of 41 days \u2013 and received his awards with a standing ovation from the house. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s two people I really want to thank,\u201d Phelps said. \u201cAnd that\u2019s my mother and coach Bob Bowman. Without the support they\u2019ve given me throughout the year, I wouldn\u2019t be standing here accepting this award. Hopefully, it will be another successful year next year.\u201d <\/p>\n
Bowman: Counsilman Coach of the Year<\/b>
\nMichael's longtime coach and mentor, Bob Bowman, received the Counilman Coach of the Year award.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo receive an award named for Doc Counsilman means a lot, because he revolutionized not only the sport of swimming, but also the profession of coaching,\u201d Bowman said. \u201cI\u2019d like to accept this on behalf of the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, especially (head coach) Murray Stephens. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a very talented and dedicated staff that teaches the young ones, and very talented and dedicated athletes that I\u2019m blessed to work with every day.\u201d <\/p>\n
Athletes' Appreciation: Jerry Olson<\/b>
\nUSA Swimming also recognized two other individuals with awards tonight. <\/p>\n
Winning the Athletes\u2019 Appreciation Award was Jerry Olson, who passed away earlier this year. The award is given annually to the individual or organization perceived by the Athletes Committee to have contributed most significantly to the athletes\u2019 movement. <\/p>\n
Olson also received the U.S. Aquatic Sports\u2019 R. Max Ritter Award, presented annually to the organization or individual of a FINA member federation who has contributed the most to the advancement of understanding and goodwill among nations through internationals participation in amateur aquatic sports. His wife Jean was on hand to accept both awards. <\/p>\n
\u201cThank you very much for the honor,\u201d Jean Olson said. \u201cJerry loved the athletes, and to receive their award would have honored him greatly.\u201d <\/p>\n
USA Swimming Award: Jim Wood<\/b>
\nThe USA Swimming Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the sport of swimming and is presented annually to an individual or organization selected for financial, material or service contributions to USA Swimming. <\/p>\n
This year\u2019s recipient was Jim Wood. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels really odd to receive an award for doing something you really enjoy doing so much,\u201d Wood said. \u201cThis is the best award I\u2019ll ever get.\u201d <\/p>\n
Other Awards and Honors<\/b>
\nOpen Water Swimmer of the Year Award \u2013 Dan DeMarco.<\/p>\n
Open Water Committee Award \u2013 City of Fort Meyers, Lee County Parks and Recreation, Swim Florida.<\/p>\n
Glenn S. Hummer Award (Open Water) \u2013 Dr. Jim Miller.<\/p>\n
Adapted Swimming Award (For biggest contribution to furthering sport of adapted swimming) \u2013 Walt and Anneliese Eggert.<\/p>\n
Adapted Swimmer of the Year Ward (Trisha L. Zorn Award) \u2013 Travis Mohr.<\/p>\n
Ken Pettigrew Award (Officials) \u2013 Carol Zaleski.<\/p>\n
Developmental Coach of the Year Award \u2013 Rick Curl and Ray Mitchell.<\/p>\n
Presentation to Life Members \u2013 Ralph Bovard, Minnesota Swimming; Pam Cook, Lake Erie Swimming; Jim Kelly, Florida Swimming; John Lorimer, Colorado Swimming; Dr. Dave Meagher, Central California Swimming; Millie Nygren, Pacific Swimming; Joe Ogilvie, Missouri Valley Swimming; Dave Olson, Ohio Swimming; Allen Reeve, South Texas Swimming; Judy Reeve, South Texas Swimming; Bruce Stratton, Snake River Swimming; Bettie Williams, Southern California Swimming; Annette Leach, Gulf Swimming. <\/p>\n
Presentation to Past Board Members \u2013 Matt Hooper, athlete representative 2002; Charly Mallery, program operations vice-president 1994-98, Southern Zone director 1998-2000; Eric Namesnik, athlete representative 1996-2002; Leanne Spletzer, Eastern Zone director 1994-98, program development vice-president 1998-2002; John Wilson, Southern Zone director 1994-98, national administrative vice-president 1998-2002; Dale Neuburger, Central Zone director 1990-94, local administrative vice-president 1994-98, president 1998-2002.<\/p>\n
–Courtesy USA Swimming, adapted<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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