Bob Duenkel’s greatest contribution to swimming, was his 40+ years of dedication and service to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, which he began in 1976. As ISHOF CEO, Buck Dawson’s assistant, he absorbed the history of swimming like a sponge, and not just from Dawson, but from the real greats, like Johnny Weissmuller, Eleanor Holm, Buster Crabbe, Esther Williams and many, many more.
Bob Duenkel on Canada Day
Duenkel’s knowledge of swimming history was encyclopedic. He studied and knew all the minutiae of swimming and swimmers, from the ancient Greek swimmer Leander to the most recent inductee, every Olympiad, every event, every time and every stroke.
Come and hear Duenkel’s incredible life story and commitment to aquatics history at the ISHOF Induction dinner on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Become an ISHOF Legacy Member and attend the ISHOF Induction Dinner for FREE. Can’t attend the event? Please consider donating to ISHOF, support Duenkel and our other inspirational Honorees.
Bob Duenkel with Olympian Michael Phelps at the International Swimming Hall of Fame
More about Bob Duenkel:
Bob Duenkel was the ISHOF museum curator and presided over 40 years of ISHOF Induction ceremonies. From 2004-2005 he served as interim CEO and Executive Director until his retirement in 2016. For any visitor to ISHOF, Duenkel was an invaluable resource, always there to tell a story, clarify any facts or just to toss off a quip or two. He made a wonderful ambassador of ISHOF to any and every event he attended, whether it was the NCAA’s, Olympic Trials or the Association of Sports Museums and Hall of Fame, Duenkel was admired and respected by all who knew him.
Bob Duenkel speaking at the International Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
He was given the Glenn Hummer Award in 1997 by USA Swimming. In 1997, he was named one of “Who’s Who in Aquatics” by Aquatics International Magazine. He was inducted into the West Orange (NJ) Hall of Fame in 2018, and that same year, he was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.
Bob Duenkel speaking outside the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
About the International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Weekend:
The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Induction Ceremony is shaping up to be a star-studded weekend with ISHOF Honoree and Sullivan Award Winner, Debbie Meyer, and double Olympic gold-medalist and everyone’s favorite Olympic swimming broadcaster, Rowdy Gaines acting as co-emcees and hosts of the induction with multiple events spread out over two days in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Make your plans now to attend the weekend of April 24-25, 2020! ISHOF Members can purchase the Complete Weekend Package (see below) and save! (Get info on membership here.) Can’t attend the event? Donate to ISHOF to support our honorees.
This year’s International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees include:
HONOR SWIMMERS: Brendan Hansen (USA), Michael Klim (AUS), Jon Sieben (AUS), Rebecca Soni (USA), and Daichi Suzuki (JPN)
HONOR DIVER: Matthew Mitcham (AUS)
HONOR SYNCHRONIZED (ARTISTIC) SWIMMER: Elvira Khasyanova (RUS)
HONOR WATER POLO: Mirko Vicevic (YUG/MON)
HONOR OPEN WATER SWIMMER: Marilyn Bell (CAN)
HONOR CONTRIBUTOR: Bob Duenkel*(USA) and Peter Hürzeler (SUI)
In addition to the Class of 2020, two Honorees from the Class of 2019, who were unable to attend last year, will be present to be inducted. Honor Swimmer: Otylia Jedrzejczak (POL) and Honor Diver: Li Ting (CHN).
Get more information about this year’s induction class here and more information about Otylia Jedrzejczak and Li Ting.
*deceased
The Induction Weekend Schedule
Friday, April 24, 2020
Paragon & ISHOF Awards Night
- 5:30 pm Cocktails
- 6:30 pm ISHOF and Paragon Awards
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Honoree Induction Day Luncheon – Meet Rowdy Gaines and go on a behind the scenes tour of the Aquatic Complex construction
- 12-1:30 pm Luncheon
Official 56th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner
- 5:30 pm VIP Reception
- 6:30 –10:00 pm Induction Ceremony & Dinner
Ticket Information
- April 24-26 Complete Weekend Package (Includes Paragon/ISHOF Awards Night, Saturday Luncheon, and Induction Ceremony)
- April 24 Paragon Awards and ISHOF Awards Night (Hors D’oeuvres and Open Bar) 5:30 pm
- April 25 Saturday Luncheon 12:00-1:30 pm
- April 25 Induction Ceremony and Dinner 5:30 pm10 Person Table $3,500 and $5,000 (Prime location) options
Hotel Information
Upscale retreat with private beach access, two pools, four restaurants, full service spa and oceanside bar. Location of the Saturday evening induction ceremony. ¼ mile south of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-4000
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $279 per night
NOTE: RESORT FEE IS INCLUDED in the $279 rate
Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 524-8733
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $229 per night
Questions: contact Meg Keller-Marvin at meg@ishof.org or 570-594-4367
No comments:
Post a Comment