International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame

International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame www.IMSHOF.org was established in 1971 (with Induction classes named back to 1963) to recognize marathon swimmers and contributors throughout the world

International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) is an affiliate organization to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, established in 1971 (with Inductee Classes named back to 1963) to recognize the marathon swimmers and contributors throughout the world and governed by an international selection committee of marathon swimming experts. It recognizes the world’s most successful swimmers in competitive races, individuals for their solo swim exploits around the world plus contributors to the sport (administrators, coaches, pilots, organizations, etc.) . It is a non-profit educational sports hall of fame devoted to marathon swimming and is dedicated to promoting the athletes, coaches, administrators, pilots, reporters, volunteers, organizations, race directors and associations affiliated with marathon swimming. It immortalizes online the achievements and contributions of those who have distinguished themselves in this sport. The International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) is an educational organization and registered non-profit organisation whose mission is to promote the exploits and history of marathon swimming. The International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame is an online virtual shrine dedicated to the history, memory, and recognition of the accomplished swimmers (Honour Swimmers) and Honour Contributors (Coaches, Administrators, Pilots and Organizations involved in marathon swimming around the world, whose lives and accomplishments serve to inspire, educate, and be role models for all those who participate in the sport. All images are sourced from IMSHOF Induction & Awards Ceremonies, individuals and marathon Organizations, Facebook, other social media vehicles, and the internet for non-profit, educational purposes. IMSHOF generally claim no ownership. Please contact us [email protected] to request removal or to ask that specific credit be added

09/16/2026

In conversations on Ireland’s best sports men and women, Ted Keenan’s name doesn’t always come up but this extraordinary man was one of the most determined, tough and relentless athletes this island has ever produced.

A self-taught swimmer, the Enniskillen native became the first Irishman to cross the English Channel in 1973 and he followed that feat by swimming the North Channel (Ireland to Scotland) the following year before completing the ‘Triple Crown’ by swimming the Bristol Channel (England to Wales) in 1975.

Andy Watters charts his story: https://tinyurl.com/3vuxjx4p

09/16/2026

History Honoree Thomas H. Watch - 75 years ago he started his 60+ years of marathon English Channel coaching. He started with Geoffrey Chapman in the 1951 Daily Mail Cross Channel race who was the first British swimmer to finish.

Cavill Family consists of two generations of seven colorful champion swimmers (from 1839 to  1940) who set national and ...
09/16/2026

Cavill Family consists of two generations of seven colorful champion swimmers (from 1839 to 1940) who set national and regional records and promoted swimming.

Frederick (Father – born English): Royal Humane Society; received four medals for life saving; and attempted the English Channel the two years after IMSHOF Honoree Captain Matthew Webb’s crossing. In 1876 he swam a record distance of 32 km down the Thames, from Southampton to Southsea Pier; from Dover to Ramsgate and then pulled from the English Channel 4.8 km from completion. In 1877 he missed completing the Channel by less 200 meters when the boatman refused to land at night.

IMSHOF generally tries to mention only books written by or for Honorees.  We are making an exception for the below.Many ...
09/15/2026

IMSHOF generally tries to mention only books written by or for Honorees. We are making an exception for the below.

Many swimmers stopped swimming in the late teens/early twenties - and returned to the sport after their children hit a similar age. They have more time and space in their life for a new "pursuit".

Graeme describes well his "rebirth" and the steps, missteps and "did not swims" he experienced along the way to achieving the Triple Crown.

Of great interest was his recognition that he had benefited greatly over the years by the contributors who supported his swimming career. That is fairly common in our sport. What make Graeme a bit different is that he then volunteered years in giving back as committee member, crew, organiser, pilot and more. Thanks for doing that and clearly enjoying it as much as the swimming.

A Life Well Swum: Finding Myself in Open Water

History:  10 years ago today Honoree Lynton Mortensen completed the first of his Oceans Seven swims
09/15/2026

History: 10 years ago today Honoree Lynton Mortensen completed the first of his Oceans Seven swims

History 20 years ago today:  Honoree James Pittar was the first blind swimmer to complete the Triple Crown
09/15/2026

History 20 years ago today: Honoree James Pittar was the first blind swimmer to complete the Triple Crown

History 35 year ago today:  Honoree Patty Thompson completed her Lake Ontario swim - long after her elite open water rac...
09/14/2026

History 35 year ago today: Honoree Patty Thompson completed her Lake Ontario swim - long after her elite open water racing/olympics years

Happy happy birthday to Richard Broer today !!Honour swimmer and organiser
09/13/2026

Happy happy birthday to Richard Broer today !!
Honour swimmer and organiser

Florence and Marilyn HONOREES
09/13/2026

Florence and Marilyn HONOREES

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