Courtesy of Ned Denison, International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.

“There are unsung heroes who help promote, organize and support the sport of open water swimming. The epitome of these unsung heroes is Bob Duenkel,” commented Steven Munatones.

Today Ned Denison, Chairman of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, announced the induction of Duenkel as an Honor Contributor – Administrator in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in the Class of 2019.

“Over a period of 40 years, Bob greatly assisted the development and recognition of marathon swimming. He joined the International Swimming Hall of Fame as a staff member in 1977 and retired as the Executive Director & Curator in 2016. As a coach, Bob was named in 1978 as the National Junior College Swimming Coach of the Year and in 1988 coached the USA to victory in the FINA Open Water World Cup team in Evian, France.

Bob served on the Board of Directors of both the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and was the administrative liaison for both. His extensive knowledge of aquatics and personal networks throughout the swimming world helped build the reputation, archives and artefacts of both organizations.

Bob’s non-assuming personality and low-key approach help guide the IMSHOF while providing room for the growth and recognition of epic marathon swimming which never followed the more traditional ISHOF Olympics, Worlds and Records approach. This included a significant input into an early process for recording the marathon swims not under the jurisdictional authority of another body.

Bob was also an All-American pool swimmer and open water competitor. In 1970, his two-man relay team swam in the 24 Heures La Tuque, completed a total of 48 miles and took 7th place.”

Copyright © 2008-2018 by World Open Water Swimming Association