I just found out that Don McKenize passed way in Reno, Nevada yesterday after a long battle with cancer. I just want to say that he was my friend, he was the toughest competitor I ever swam against and for those of you who don't know of him he won two gold medals at the Olympics in 1968. We went head to head for many years and I can't tell you how many times he would look over, a few minutes before a race, and say "is this fun or what??". He was a super star guy and my deepest sympathy goes out to his wife and children.
Man, what I wouldn't give for a YouTube of that relay!
I don't remember the '68 Olympics (I was 1), but I loved reading these stories. I second Chris's suggestion to get this written up for USMS, online or in print. Inspirational doesn't come close to describing the emotion they create.
Man, what I wouldn't give for a YouTube of that relay!
I don't remember the '68 Olympics (I was 1), but I loved reading these stories. I second Chris's suggestion to get this written up for USMS, online or in print. Inspirational doesn't come close to describing the emotion they create.
