International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame

06/21/2026

Perhaps asking your friend to pilot a swim for the 10th time this year....cause them to send a message

06/20/2026

Inspirational

To educate, entertain, and enthuse all those who venture beyond the shoreline World Open Water Swimming Federation, a human-powered project

06/20/2026

Remembering Conrad Wennerberg on his birthday. As an International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame Honor Administrator and Chairman Emeritus, his impact on the sport was immeasurable. His definitive work, Wind, Waves and Sunburn, remains a cornerstone of marathon swimming history, capturing the endurance and spirit of the legends he coached, including Ted Erikson and Dennis Matuch. A true polymath and passionate open-water pioneer, Conrad’s legacy continues to inspire every swimmer who finds joy in the water. We honor his enduring dedication, intellect, and profound contributions to the swimming community today and always.

06/19/2026

Help please - IMSHOF is trying to take a global pulse of the sport. There are many countries where we can't name a marathon swim, swimmer or contributor.

If YOU can help with any of these Central America/Caribbean countries - please comments.

Many thanks,

Belize
Dominica (different from the Dominican Republic)
Grenada
Haiti
Jamaica
Nicaragua
Panama
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago

end

06/19/2026

Celebrating the birthday of the legendary Charlie Gravett, a true giant of the open-water community. Known for his irrepressible spirit, extraordinary generosity, and quick, happy sense of humor, Charlie brought smiles to everyone he met. We fondly remember his unwavering support for his beloved wife, Sally Minty-Gravett, and the incredible, lasting legacy they built together in the world of swimming. His warmth, kindness, and passion for the sea continue to inspire us all. Though he is dearly missed, his vibrant energy remains a guiding light for every swimmer he mentored and every friend he cherished.

06/19/2026

Happy Birthday to the legendary Diego Degano! Known as the "Diego of Water," his incredible dominance in the 1990s world circuit and multiple victories in the prestigious Santa Fe-Coronda marathon earned him a well-deserved place in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.

Beyond his athletic prowess, your passion for the sport continues to inspire generations of open-water swimmers worldwide. Thank you for your lasting contributions to marathon swimming and for remaining a true icon of the sport. Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with joy and celebration!

06/18/2026

Wishing Honoree Lyndon Dunsbee a very happy birthday!

06/18/2026

Remembering Lello Barbuto on his birthday. A legendary Neapolitan sports journalist and a pivotal figure in basketball coverage, his legacy lives on through the PalaBarbuto arena. Beyond basketball, he was a passionate sports promoter and the visionary inventor behind the iconic Capri-Napoli marathon swim. A true pioneer!

06/18/2026

Remembering Commander Gerald Forsberg, OBE, on his birthday. A true distance swimming legend, he set a world record for the English Channel in 1957. His immense contributions as a leader in the British Long Distance Swimming Association and the Channel Swimming Association leave an enduring legacy in open-water swimming history.

06/17/2026

Honoree David Barra accomplished the triple crown in 2010 as part of 200 km of solo swimming: Maui; Tampa Bay; Manhattan; Catalina; Boston Light; English Channel; and Ederle This earned him one of his early honors: “The Barra Award”. It is presented annually by the Marathon Swimmers Federation to the swimmer with the most impressive year of marathon swimming. It gave further weight to David’s favorite saying – “Anything worth doing is worth overdoing”.

He talks about planning and completing a solo across Lac St. Jean – the storied race on the professional circuit.