Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Inducts Newest Honorees
By: Ned Denison – IMSHOF Chairperson
The annual induction ceremony is the physical highlight of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. Thirty honorees (the largest number ever) gathered to induct 11 new honorees and applaud three award winners in San Diego. For the rest of the year, IMSHOF operates as an online virtual shrine dedicated to the history, memory, and recognition of the accomplished swimmers and contributors involved in marathon swimming around the world.
Through a constantly evolving website, daily Facebook posts, Instagram, newsletters, YouTube channel and public electronic library, IMSHOF inspires, educates, and promotes role models for all those who participate in the sport.
The most recent induction ceremony anchored a full weekend of activities including:
Friday: Several swimmers completed six-hour qualification swims at La Jolla; Three (including one of Wednesday) honorees completed the 18.6 km “Around Coronado Island” marathon swim. Others at the hotel enjoyed breakfast, a dip in the sea and lunch. Some joined the reception on a boat outside the Bahia Resort. Smaller groups met for casual dinners.
Saturday: Many joined the Mission Beach morning swim and drinks hosted by the local swimmers. The Executive Committee met for lunch. Others at the hotel enjoyed lunch and afternoon chats. Those outings were followed by the ceremony dinner and presentations.
Sunday: Many joined the morning swim at the resort. Some attended the Congress (issue discussions). Other attendees had smaller lunches and dinners.
The ceremony dinner sold out (the first time ever) with 130 individuals in attendance (the largest in the past 10 years). Five of the seven living inductees were present to accept on the stage: Bárbara Hernández Huerta, Chile; Alexander “Alex” Meyer, United States of America; Cliff Golding, Great Britain; Jacqueline McClelland, Ireland; and John Graeme West, New Zealand. Also present to accept: Carol Sing to receive the Dale Petranech Award for services to IMSHOF and Paul Asmuth to receive the Poseidon Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
IMSHOF proudly welcomed three inductees from countries not previously represented: Chile, Paraguay, and Syria.
The 353 individuals and organizational Honorees represent the best of the marathon swimmers and conttributors – going back nearly 300 years
See the Ceremony booklet, videos and weekend pictures will soon be available at:
Class of 2026 San Diego | IMSHOF
Notes and Ceremony Attendees | IMSHOF
The ceremony for the Class of 2027 will be held in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday, May 8, 2027.