Along with two Olympic legends, swimmer Katie Ledecky and diver Micki King, ice and marathon swimmer Elaine Howley (48, USA, IISA bio here) was honored by the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) with one of the ISHOF Specialty Awards. The ISHOF Specialty Awards are presented annually to individuals for outstanding contributions to aquatics.
Howley, Ledecky and King were co-recipient of the 2026 Buck Dawson Author’s Award. The award will be presented on May 15th in conjunction with the 2026 ISHOF Aquatic Awards in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
King and Howley (USA) co-wrote Break of A Lifetime and Ledecky wrote Just Add Water ~ My Swimming Life to jointly receive the annual award named after Buck Dawson.
Break of A Lifetime
At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, 24-year-old Micki King stood was on her way to win the Olympic gold medal in the 3-meter event. She had led from the start to the 9th dive when she broke her arm. She attempted her 10th and last dives, but ultimately finished out of the medals in 4th place. But true to her nature, King came back four years later to win gold at the 1972 Munich Games while pioneering a new leadership model for women in sports, the military, and public life.
The co-authors describe her journey from suburban Michigan to the White House, a lifestory about persistence, principle, and paving the way for others to achieve their fullest potential.
While King’s story is all because of diving, it isn’t just about diving; it’s about persistence, principle, and paving the way for others to achieve their fullest potential.
Meredith Griffin, Director, Strategy and Quality Practice, YMCA of the USA, says, “Micki, like thousands of children across the country, grew up spending time with friends at her local YMCA. It was at the Y that Micki first discovered the sport of diving and was encouraged to pursue it competitively. As she perfected her craft, she embraced every challenge and realized her full potential with the help of a supportive community.“
Todd Smith, Former Executive Director USA Diving, former president of U.S. Diving Foundation, and former President of Duraflex International, describes her as “more than an Olympic Champion; she is a beacon of inspiration and leadership. Her remarkable journey through various careers demonstrates her versatility and commitment to excellence. Micki King’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder that greatness is not confined to one arena but can be achieved in all aspects of life. Her example encourages everyone to strive for their best and to lead with integrity and passion.”
Cynthia Potter, 28-time USA National Diving Champion, 3-time USA Olympic Diving Team member spoke respectfully about King, a career officer in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1992 who retired with the rank of colonel, “From being my most ferocious competitor to my hero and best buddy, Micki King has made a lifelong impression on me. Micki distinguished herself on the diving board, in the military, fighting for women’s opportunities, and leading all of us who have ever strived for excellence. Micki’s journey in this book is one for every age to appreciate.“
Just Add Water
Just Add Water charts Ledecky’s life in swimming. It details her start in Bethesda, Maryland, where she played sharks and minnows and first discovered the joy of the pool; her early foray into the Olympics at the tender age of fifteen where, as the youngest member of the American team, she stunned everyone by winning her first gold medal; her time balancing competition and her education at Stanford University; how she developed a champion’s mindset that has allowed her to persevere through so many meets, even under intense pressure; and how she has maintained her dominance in a sport where success depends on milliseconds. You learn how every element of her life—from the support of her family to the tutelage of her coaches, from her childhood spent in summer league swimming to the bright lights of Olympic pools in London, Rio, and Tokyo—set her up to become the champion she is today.
Buck Dawson
Buck Dawson [shown below] was a veteran of World War II who served as assistant and publicist for Generals Gavin and Ridgeway in the 82nd Airborne. From the time he was chosen to lead ISHOF in 1962, until his death in 2008, Buck traveled the world armed with Hall of Fame brochures, books, and bumper stickers. He was inducted as an Honor Administrator in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in its Class of 1993.
© 2026 Daily News of Open Water Swimming
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