What is the IMSHOF?

Masters Swimming SA

Published: Jan 12, 2012 11:33:39 AM Updated: Feb 2, 2012 01:27:59 PM

THE acronym IMSHOF refers to both the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame and the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame.

The International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame recognizes swimmers, divers, synchronized swimmers, water polo players and contributors.

Befitting its focus on pool competitions, the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame has a well-defined scorecard in order to determine its honorees, especially pool swimmers. With its venues the oceans, lakes, bays and rivers of the world.

The IMSOHOF is headquartered at the International Swimming Hall of Fame facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. The inaugural induction of the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame took place in January, 2003.

In order to be considered for induction in the IMSHOF, athletes must have competed for a minimum of 16 years, spanning four different age groups in the sport.

In the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame, a point-ranking system has been devised for the pool swimming discipline. For a Masters World Record in the pool, an individual is given 10 points. Swimmers are also allotted points for individual Masters World Rankings (5 points for 1st, 3 points for 2nd, 1 point for 3rd) and placing at the biennial FINA Masters World Championships (3 points for 1st, 2 points for 2nd, 1 point for 3rd).

In the IMSHOF, there are approximately nine inductees selected annually. Representation is proportionate to each discipline's numbers of participants worldwide: 3 female swimmers, 3 male swimmers, and 3 divers, synchronized swimmers, water polo players or contributors. 

The Selection Committee of the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame is chaired by Walt Reid with June Krauser and is comprised of 62 international authorities from the masters aquatics community. Similar to their marathon counterparts, a balloting process is used to finalize those nominees who are selected for induction.

There are 67 current honorees in the IMSHOF with at least one honoree approaching 100 years of age. 

This organization also rightly recognize the often unsung Administrators (including coaches, escorts, officials, organizers and support personnel) who have worked tirelessly in various functions to develop the discipline. 

The International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame honorees are selected due to their aquatic feats in chlorinated pools, achieved over the matter of seconds or minutes, and judged by time or scores, where winning races or competitions are a matter of technique, endurance and speed. 

All the honorees have made significant contributions and add to the legacy of their respective disciplines. They are aquatic heroes and heroines - role models of the waterways - as they clearly demonstrated their passion and pursued it to the highest levels.

Source: Open Water Source