ISHOF Holds Inaugural Induction of the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame

( l. to r.: Graham Johnston, Maxine Merlino, June Krauser, Tim Garton, Jayne Bruner, Dr. Sam Freas , Gail Roper, Barbara Dunbar)

The inaugural induction of the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) took place on Saturday, January 11, 2003, at the International Swimming Hall of Fame.  The first class of Inductees includes:

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Friends, family members, supporters and fellow swimmers joined in the celebration to honor the outstanding achievements of these Masters Inductees!  ISHOF Chairman John Ebert, ISHOF Director and Masters Committee Chairman Tod Spieker, ISHOF President Sam Freas and ISHOF Executive Director/Curator Bob Duenkel facilitated the evening by welcoming visitors, introducing Inductees and presenting awards. Each Inductee received an engraved medallion and distinctive plaque commemorating their induction.

Jayne Bruner, arriving from her home state of Virginia, was accompanied by her daughter Sheryl. Husband David and sons Davis and Jonathan were present to witness and enjoy the evening with Barbara Dunbar. ISHOF board member Tim Garton was joined by his wife Mara and her parents as he accepted his new title in the Masters Hall of Fame.  Graham Johnston and his lovely wife Janice flew in from Houston and were surrounded by local friends and fans. Fort Lauderdale’s own June Krauser, previously inducted into ISHOF as an Honor Contributor, achieved honor swimmer status within Masters.  June’s son and daughter-in-law Larry and Sheryl of Seattle, daughter Janice, sister Cynthia Bruce, friend Peg Leonard and others were on hand to cheer her on.  Well-loved Gus Langner was represented by his daughter Dorrie, grandson, granddaughter and family friend.  Dr. Maxine Merlino traveled from Long Beach, California and was accompanied by her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter who arrived from Madrid, Spain for the festivities.  Inductee Gail Roper made the trip from California to be with friends and fellow Masters athletes.

Inductees and representatives moved the crowd with stories that elicited a range of heartwarming emotions, and everyone enjoyed an evening of laughter and fellowship. Humility, graciousness and appreciation for others resonated to the delight and respect of the crowd.  Dorrie recalled just how much swimming meant to her dad, Gus Langner. Tim Garton, grateful for his mother’s help and encouragement, told of his battle with lymphoma in the midst of a swimming career. Graham Johnston brought laughter and applause to the crowded room as did June Krauser who gave us two-for-one when her sister Cynthia graced the onlookers with a poem about June, which paralleled Joyce Kilmer’s Trees. An overwhelmed Maxine Merlino credited her granddaughter with her renewed interest in swimming after many years. Gail Roper’s sweet spirit in turn served to inspire the spirits of others. Jayne Bruner and Barbara Dunbar were gracious as they humbly accepted their honors with heartfelt thanks. John Spannuth, president of the U.S. Water Fitness Association and longtime friend, gave an overview of Masters swimming as begun by Dr. Ransom Arthur, and John Deininger, president of U.S. Masters Diving, spoke highly of the character and merits of the late Patty Robinson Fulton. Video vignettes of each inductee were displayed along with their outstanding accomplishments. ISHOF is pleased and honored to welcome this class of inductees into the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame.

Each member of the inaugural class of Inductees for the IMSHOF was also previously inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF). Other ISHOF Honorees who joined in the celebration included Adolph Kiefer, Tiffany Cohen, Jack Nelson and Buck Dawson. In addition, many ISHOF board members and Masters athletes from South Florida were present to salute IMSHOF’s first class.

A special thanks to all those who assisted with making the induction a huge success and to those who traveled from far and near to help celebrate the stellar achievements of each Inductee.  

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We’re already preparing for the 2004 ceremony where the following inductees are slated for induction:  

                        James Malcolm Cameron (GBR)          Honor Contributor

                        Sylvie Frechette (CAN)                        Honor Synchronized Swimmer

                        Horatio Iglesias (ARG)                         Honor Open Water Swimmer

                        Mark Lenzi (USA)                               Honor Diver

                        Danyon Loader (NZL)                         Honor Swimmer

                        Yevgeny Sharanov (URS)                    Honor Water Polo

                        Laura Val (USA)                                  Honor Master Swimmer

                        William Wilson* (GBR)                        Honor Pioneer

                        Xu Yiming (CHN)                                Honor Coach

*deceased