Kim WelshonsCarlsbad, California
Kim Welshons of Carlsbad California passed away March 5, 2015 in her home surrounded by her family and friends after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Kim is survived by her Mother, Kathryn Achelis and her sister, Kris Bennett. She is preceded in death by her father and her brother, Robert Welshons and Kip Welshons.
Kim was born in California to Kathryn and Robert Welshons. She grew up in Santa Clara with her sister, where they were both active in gymnastics and swimming. Synchronized swimming became the sisters' passion and they spent their youth in the pool, practicing, competing and achieving world class championship status.
In the early years of synchronized swimming, she was the most honored swimmer. The titles she received include fourteen international and thirteen national titles as well as a gold medal in the Pan American Games in 1963 at the age of 12.
In 1966, at the request of President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson, Kim delivered a command performance in Mexico City at a reception held in honor of the Mexican President and Mrs. Diaz Ordaz. Later that year, Mrs. Johnson requested Kim to perform for President Johnson, Governor and Mrs. Edmund G Brown and a host of other celebrities at the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.
Although Kim retired from her swimming career in 1970, she continued to contribute to synchronized swimming and to the advancement and media recognition of the sport. She coached the Mexican National Team for two years and served as technical spokesperson, and provided color commentary for the major television networks for eight years. Not only was Kim a repeat champion as a member of the Santa Clara Aquamaids, but she was an outstanding international representative for synchronized swimming and US women in sports. Kim was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1988.
Kim was also a former chairwoman of the city of Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Commission. Recently she served as President of the Homeowners Association of Lake Shore Gardens where she earned respect for her leadership abilities and made many friends in this wonderful community.
Kim will be remembered as a leader, a champion athlete, a cherished friend, and a fighter.
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