A Really Big Deal

If you were to approach Rich Burns with anything resembling praise or adulation, he'll likely give you a bemused smile and a shrug.

That's Rich.

He'll also likely give the credit to his coach. His teammates. And all the swimmers who inspire and support him.

That's just what he did in Fort Lauderdale this past weekend on May 20, when accepting his induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

"It's a little bit of a cliche, but it takes a village. If you are a member of a team, regardless of your sport, and you have a coach, you inherit an instant village. In my case, that village is Tamalpais Aquatic Masters. When I first stepped onto the deck in 1975 the coach was Marie McSweeney. The coach today is Marie McSweeney. Without her, I wouldn't be here. I thank my teammates, many who trekked here to support me. And of course Laura (Val), who is my greatest inspiration."

Click image to see Rich's acceptance speech as the 2026 International Swimming Hall of Fame Awards

Click here to see the tribute video played at the Awards Ceremony

This honor is a really big deal. Rich will be the first Masters Swimmer to be inducted into ISHOF since 2015. He will become the first male Masters swimmer to be inducted to ISHOF since MISHOF was split off. Read the full USMS story.

His swimming career is truly remarkable. He has competed in 11 age groups, 30-34 through 80-84, in which he is currently competing. He has broken an amazing 97 world records as of December 2024, and those are only his individual WR.  Rich has competed in six different FINA/World Aquatics Masters World Championships, winning 13 gold, eight silver and two bronze medals, again all individual events. There’s more to add when  we start considering his relays.  As of December 2023, Burns had added a mind boggling 3,215 FINA Masters World points.  When Rich was inducted into the Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2010, he had amassed 37 FINA World Records. Since then, he has added 60 additional World Records to his count.

Many thanks to our TAM teammates who were in Fort Lauderdale to support Rich: Nancy Ridout, Marie McSweeney, Jim Stambolis, Martha Joyce, Alan and Mary Jo Bernard, and Laura Val. It was a special weekend.

Next time you see Rich on deck, or in the lane next to you, know that you are in the company of greatness. Even though Rich would shrug it off with a smile.