After a three-year battle with cancer, former International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) CEO and a colleague of everyone in the swimming community Brent Rutemiller died in the early hours of Monday morning.
Rutemiller was diagnosed with plasma-cell leukemia in May 2021, which he battled into remission despite no known cure. His cancer returned in 2022, undergoing a bone marrow transplant before going in and out of remission over the last two years.
Rutemiller had a long career in swimming, from coaching stops across the country, more than 30 years in various roles with Swimming World, and five years as the CEO of the ISHOF in addition to serving as its President.
A 1978 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Rutemiller started out coaching various teams in Kentucky and Indiana, including working as an assistant under Frank Busch in Northern Kentucky. Rutemiller then contributed on staff with the Mission Viejo Nadadores, and served as a coach with two of the biggest programs in Arizona, the Phoenix Swim Club and Scottsdale Aquatic Club.
He also dedicated a lot of his time to coaching Special Olympians, serving as the head of a Special Olympics swimming delegation in Arizona for over 20 years.
Rutemiller got his start with Swimming World Magazine in 1985 as the creator of Aquazoids, an educational animated series that has been printed in more than 150 countries. He then transitioned into head of advertising and ultimately elevated to the role of the magazine’s publisher.
During his time as publisher, Rutemiller spearheaded Swimming World’s partnership with the ISHOF.
In July 2015, Rutemiller was recognized by USA Swimming as one of the “30 Most Influential People in Swimming over the Past 30 Years.”
In addition to receiving the ISHOF Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, Rutemiller also earned the organization’s Service Award in 2008 and was named the 2014 American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Media Award winner.
During his treatment, Rutemiller launched the campaign “Rutemiller’s Army” with the Swim Across America in order to fund a cancer research project for plasma-cell leukemia (or multiple myeloma), which has no known cure.
Brent had a passion and love for swimming like no other. He dedicated his life to our beloved sport. I feel honored to have been his friend. My deepest condolences to the Rutemiller family. May he rest in peace.
Sad day for swimming, He was a great one.
Will be missed.
I don’t know if there has ever been anyone in competitive swimming that has intended so much good for so many as Brent Rutemiller. By continuing Swimming World, operating the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Brent made an enormous effort to spread sunshine all of over the sport. His loyalty, warmth and smile belied logic for the many of us that were so fortunate to be his friends.
He was always a great advocate for our sport – peace and wonderful memories to his family and LARGE group of friends!
One of the great ambassadors in the aquatic world. A true gentleman to all who knew him. Great father, husband and advocate for those with special needs. One of the true givers. We will miss him more than we know. R.I.P., Brent.
Certainly a humble giant in this sport who will be missed by all … sincere condolences to the family where no doubt he will be missed the most…
So blessed to have called him my friend.
Peace.
One of the best! Brent will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Rest in peace Mr. Rutemiller. Good man and great friend of swimming.