When I was a swimmer back in the 80’s, Mel was a god — the greatest 200 butterfly swimmer of his era. Not only did he hold the world record in the 200 fly (my event) for eons, I believe he still holds the record for the most national titles in one event — an unbelievable 14! More than any other male swimmer in USA Swimming history, Michael Phelps included. Mel highlighted his amazing swimming career with 2 gold medals and a bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
In any event, today Mel is a model renaissance man himself. A husband, father, screenwriter, filmmaker, television broadcaster, journalist and overall phenomenal ambassador for the sport of swimming. And if that’s not enough, Mel is selflessly giving back to the sport he loves as an active spokesperson on behalf of the US Swimming Foundation, a fundraising organization that (among many other things) brings swimming education to underprivileged youth nation-wide. In short, he is a guy who is not only passionate about all things swimming, but committed to giving back to the sport he loves — an inspiration for us all.
