The information on this page was written the year of their induction.

FOR THE RECORD:  First President of U.S. Swimming (1978-1981); AAU and USS Rules Chairman (1969-1989); Treasurer of FINA Technical Swimming Committee and U.S. Aquatic Sports; 1968 U.S. Olympic Team Manager.

No one realized back in 1908, that this St. Louis youngster would be one of the few who instigated the growth and maturity of United States and AAU Swimming.

Bill Lippman’s interest in swimming developed as a result of his fatherly nature toward his children, Larry and Ann.  Larry  began swimming in high school.  As he excelled as a backstroker, so did Bill’s curiosity and involvement in the organization of the sport.

Before long, Bill became an aggressive advocate of swimming. In 1969, he served as chairman of the AAU Competitive Swimming Committee.  His clear direction and insight made him instrumental in the passing of the Amateur Sports Act which allowed the formation of independent sports bodies.

Bill became the first president of the newly formed United States Swimming in 1978, a position he held until 1981.  His most consistent role as chairman of the Rules Committee for both AAU and USS for 20 years gained him respect as the “official interpreter” of all technical rules.  He also served as treasurer of the FINA Technical Swimming Committee and of United States Aquatic Sports, and was the honorary secretary of the FINA Technical Committee from 1968-1980.

In 1968, Lippman was chosen to serve as manager of the US Olympic Team in Mexico, and in 1984, he worked as a part of the LA Olympic Organizing Committee.  He is immensely respected for his love, devotion and dedication to swimming.  In 1985, he received the United States Swimming Award, the highest honor in the sport within the United States.

Bill Lippman passed away in 1991 at the age of 83.  In his honor, a United States Swimming scholarship fund was created so that  his voluntary contribution and love for the sport would not be forgotten.  The vision and direction Bill Lippman gave the world of swimming has left a legacy in which we will bathe for years to come