One television show that I like is the HBO Series, "Deadwood."
One of the main charactors is played by actor, Timothy Olyphant. According to Olyphant's bio, he was a swimmer for USC and was a "U.S. National Finalist" in the 200 I.M.
In another post I remember reading that someone thought John Stossell (sp?) was an open water swimmer.
Does anyone know of other famous (or infamous) people who also swim?
P.S. George - we already know you are famous and infamous, so you don't count! :)
Ex-NBA player Kiki Vandeweghe was a great swimmer as an age-grouper.
Former Member
Lance Armstrong.
I would be willing to bet that with his superhuman heart he could put his name in the USMS Top Ten list if he were to take up swimming again.
Former Member
Rex Chapman was an age-group swimmer. At the time he was playing for the Phoenix Suns, I shared a training lane with him at the Suns' high-altutude camp in Flagstaff. I told him I could give him some pointers on his jump shot if he could help me with my fly. He didn't seem interested...
-- mel
Former Member
One of the best sports writers of our time John Feinstein swims. He was at USMS Nationals this year as a matter of fact. I you haven't had the opportunity to read any of his stuff, you should.
Former Member
Yes John Feinstein is a top shelf sports journalist and a regular in the top ten of his age group at Nationals. I remember in particular watching him swim a sizzlin' 50 fly in 2002 LCM Nationals that got him 4th or so in a pretty tough age group. I've also read and enjoyed the many fine books he's written, and given them to friends as presents. He's a first class professional in my book.
I do however, have one bone to pick with him. How come we hardly ever hear him mentioning swimming at all when he does his radio bit on NPR (his or world class level swimming, not even in Olympic years) and to my knowledge he has written zero books on the subject? Week after week, all this golf and tennis nonsense (so he can't even claim he's trapped in the big 4 professional team sports ghetto). I'm not asking for much. Just a short piece or two right around World Championships and the Olympic games, and the occasional shout-out to USMS. What good is having friends in high places when they won't even acknowledge you in public? I believe more people are aware that former Presidential candidate Paul Tsongas was a swimmer than are aware John Feinstein is one.
Matt
Former Member
I read somewhere that Hilary Swank went to the Junior Olympics for swimming.
Former Member
Originally posted by Matt S
I do however, have one bone to pick with him. How come we hardly ever hear him mentioning swimming at all when he does his radio bit on NPR (his or world class level swimming, not even in Olympic years) and to my knowledge he has written zero books on the subject? Week after week, all this golf and tennis nonsense (so he can't even claim he's trapped in the big 4 professional team sports ghetto). I'm not asking for much. Just a short piece or two right around World Championships and the Olympic games, and the occasional shout-out to USMS. What good is having friends in high places when they won't even acknowledge you in public? I believe more people are aware that former Presidential candidate Paul Tsongas was a swimmer than are aware John Feinstein is one.
I would think it is because the mass of sports fans aren't that interested in swimming unless it's an Olympic year. He used to do a weekly call in on our local sports station here in Phoenix. I distinctly remember him mentioning in his comments Wally Dicks and being the oldest man to qualify for the Olympic Trials in 2000. He mentioned it because he was going to compete that week and it was nice to hear him bring it up. Needless to say the two local hacks we have on the radio here talking to him could care less and they forced him to change subjects.
He also sometimes fills in for Jim Rome (my favorite sport talk show) when Rome is out. Needless to say, he is well thought of and I personally think his talents could be greatly used in our community to bring some attention to USMS. Not sure if USMS has talked to him or not, but if not, they are missing an opportumity.
