USA Swimming Exec Dir CHUCK WIELGUS, who "led a federation that brought home 156 Olympic medals during his 20 years at the helm," died yesterday at the age of 67, according to the AP. Wielgus passed away in Colorado Springs due to complications from colon cancer. He was "due to retire in August." Wielgus was the "longest-tenured leader among U.S. Olympic organizations." The 156 medals "represent about one-third of America's overall total from the last five Olympics." During his two decades, USA Swimming's revenue increased by about 600%, and its "four-year, Olympic-cycle budget grew from" $35M to nearly $160M. Membership "more than doubled, to 400,000-plus, and Wielgus helped turn swimming's Olympic trials into a showcase event." But Wielgus "came under fire in recent years for his handling of numerous sexual-abuse cases against the organization." USA Swimming said that Assistant Exec Dir MIKE UNGER will serve as interim Exec Dir. Unger has "taken an active role in helping run the organization while Wielgus was dealing with his illness in recent years" (AP, 4/23). SWIMMING WORLD MAGAZINE's Brent Rutemiller noted Wielgus "helped pioneer Make A Splash and hired the organization’s first diversity specialist with the goal of increasing opportunities for minority athletes." Under his direction, USA Swimming "launched an online anti-bullying program to serve its members." Wielgus "took huge steps to increase swimming’s popularity and spectator-appeal." He "pushed almost immediately for deals that would increase swimming’s television schedule, culminating with all eight nights of Olympic Trials being shown live on television" since '08. Last year, "seven of eight nights were broadcast" on NBC (SWIMMINGWORLDMAGAZINE.com, 4/23). Read SBJ's profile on Wielgus from Rio during last summer's Olympics.
TWITTER TRIBUTES: USA Today's Christine Brennan tweeted, "Class act, honest, fair, innovative: that was Chuck Wielgus. Under his leadership, @USASwimming became gold standard of NGBs." USA Triathlon's official feed: "He had a profound impact on the entire U.S. Olympic Movement." A slew of current and former U.S. swimmers offered tributes. LA 2024 Vice Chair Janet Evans: "His leadership made US Swimming - from its age groupers to its Olympians - the successful organization it is today." Katie Ledecky: "I will always appreciate the support I received from him as a young Team USA Swimmer. Condolences & prayers for his family." Breeja Larson: "He was a huge impact in the swimming world and will be missed." Cullen Jones: "My heart is heavy, Chuck thank you for the kind words & mentorship over the years, you will be truly missed. SWIM lost a true visionary."
