International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum

Sports are important to our society- they provide a place for young and old to exercise, learn teamwork, and build a community. There is one sport, however, that may be important for an entirely different reason- it may actually save your life. Swimming is one of America’s favorite pastimes, as well as being a literal lifesaver. Swimming was not always seen in the same way it is today. It has taken decades for the public swimming pool to be a common part of most American communities, a process that included struggling through racial and gender biases. Today we learn about the lengths swimming has gone at the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Fort Lauderdale Florida. This museum commemorates famous individuals who have contributed to the sport over the decades, as well as a collection of water-related art. The museum is also home to an Olympic-sized swimming pool and diving facility. The former Executive Director of the museum, Bruce Wigo, joins us today with stories about swimming and other water sports throughout the ages and around the world. Also in today’s episode- reflect on your own aquatic experiences as we ask people on the street to share with us their adventures in the water. And to finish it up, learn about three Olympic water events that, for various reasons, did not make it past their Olympic debut.