Today at the Arizona state meet legend Ron Johnson after setting a new American Record in the 200 breastroke suffered a severe heart attack in the warm down pool. Thankfully the lifeguards and masters swimmer/physician Kurt Dickson and others we're able to start immediate life support until paramedics arrived and rushed him to the hospital
As of 5pm this evening all I know is that Ron had had regained consciousness, appeared to have not suffered brain damage and was breathing on his own...however he did have 5-6 clogged arteries and was going into immediate open heart surgery.....please send your prayers and thoughts this evening for his recovery....
7pm.....Nancy Kinney called to let us know Ron had come out of surgery and was stable. The major concern right now is that there was a substanial amlunt of damage done to his sternum/rib cage from the CPR-compressions and a fear of possible pneumonia as a consequnce.....Ron's got to be one of the toughest people I've ever met.....I pray he can win this one.
Paul,
this is sad news indeed. The very first masters meet I swam in was at ASU and was run by Ron. There is no doubt that he has the best knowledge of master's swimmers in his head when he is announcing a meet of anyone I have encountered. He also shows us that, like the Million Dollar Baby, there is no point to quitting what you love.
My and Grace's best to him.
Thank you for posting the information.
My prayers and best wishes are coming to Ron from across the ocean. I am grateful that he had quick responders and very good care in those early moments. I send my best...
donna dunn
Please let Ron and his family know that they have all our prayers and support. Please keep us all informed and let us know if there is anything else we can do for this wonderful man.
10:15am....Marika just called and Ron is sitting up and talking.....but has no memory of what happened.....best possible scenario....lets keep our fingers crossed and keep up the prayers and positive thoughts....thanks everyone!
We're going to head over to the meet....we'll keep everyone updated as we hear any news.
Today at the Arizona state meet legend Ron Johnson after setting a new American Record in the 200 breastroke suffered a severe heart attack in the warm down pool. Thankfully the lifeguards and masters swimmer/physician Kurt Dickson and others we're able to start immediate life support until paramedics arrived and rushed him to the hospital
As of 5pm this evening all I know is that Ron had had regained consciousness, appeared to have not suffered brain damage and was breathing on his own...however he did have 5-6 clogged arteries and was going into immediate open heart surgery.....please send your prayers and thoughts this evening for his recovery....
I most certainly will Paul. I'm sorry to hear about that. But I am glad to hear that he might make it though this thing o.k. Thanks for posting and keeping us informed.
Newmastersswimmer
Quite a scary experience I am sure. Best wishes for a quick and complete recovery. Look forward to hearing some promising reports when you return Paul.
Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned here though. An active lifestyle does not guarantee one of a healthy vascular system. See your MD regularly and keep tabs on your BP, cholesterol, organ function, etc..
