California State University, Sacramento’s Renaissance Society will host a panel of 5 Olympic swimmers to discuss their transition to “civilian life” on October 22nd. The panel includes 7-time Olympic gold medalist Mark Spitz who set 35 World Records during his swimming career.
Spitz now works as a motivational speaker and with the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation which “uses sport as a powerful and cost-effective tool to help children and young people overcome violence, discrimination and disadvantage in their lives.”
“These legendary athletes will share their experiences and memories of being the best in the world and later, transitioning to post-Olympic, post-competition ‘civilian life,’” the Renaissance Society told SwimSwam via email.
“They will comment on the dramatic and powerful swimming at this summer’s Tokyo Games and the emerging awareness of athletes and mental health, plus address the aspects of life that are both challenging and thrilling at the top of your sport.”
You can read more about this event here and register through Eventbrite here.
The panel also consists of Summer Sanders Schlopy who collected 9 NCAA Championship titles during her 2-year collegiate career at Stanford. After becoming the most decorated swimmer at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics with 2 golds, 1 silver, and 1 bronze, she began her now 25-year-long television career which includes working with CBS Sports and MTV.
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Mike Burton competed in 1968 and then again alongside Spitz in 1972. He was the first swimmer to defend the Olympic 1500 free title when he won gold in 1972 and clocked 7 World Records during his career.
Jeff Float, who was part of Team USA’s 4×200 free relay that broke the World Record at the 1984 Olympics by 5 seconds, now works as a head coach at Spare Time Inc and a personal trainer.
Debbie Meyer Weber took home three gold medals at the 1968 Olympics and has broken 19 American Records. After retiring from the pool, she worked as a commentator for CBS Sports Spectacular and ESPN.
All 5 Olympians have ties to the state of Sacramento – by currently residing in or by growing up in the state.
Beth Ruyak, an Emmy-award-winning broadcaster and former host of Capital Public Radio’s Insight” will moderate the conversation.
Excellent panel… and the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation is interesting. I looked at their website. Good works…
Ironic that Sac State, a CSU, is hosting anything related to swimming. More than 30 D2 men’s team titles since 1963 came from CSU and UC programs who long ago erased the sport from their institutions.