Brent Rutemiller Posthumously Recognized by United States Aquatic Sports with Prestigious Max Ritter Award

Brent Rutemiller Posthumously Recognized by United States Aquatic Sports with Prestigious Max Ritter Award

United States Aquatic Sports President Patty Miller presented the prestigious Max Ritter Award to the family of Brent Rutemiller during a virtual ceremony last week. Rutemiller, who contributed widely to the sport of swimming for several decades, died last month after a courageous battle with cancer. USAS presented the award to Rutemiller’s widow, Ellen, and his daughter, Shoshanna.

Before his passing, Rutemiller was a key figure in the sport of swimming on multiple levels, including athlete, coach, journalist, publisher, advocate and executive. He was the former publisher of Swimming World and also served as the CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Among those attending the ceremony were Rutemiller’s friend and 1980 Olympian Glenn Mills, Hall of Fame coach Mark Schubert, Olympic champion Anthony Ervin and World Aquatics’ Dale Neuburger.

“Brent was a great teacher, mentor and friend, and I miss him a lot,” Mills said. “The fighter that we saw over the last few years was not surprising. Brent always fought his battles with grace and thoughtfulness. He deserves all of these accolades and more.”

The Max Ritter Award is presented annually by United States Aquatic Sports to the organization or individual of a World Aquatics member country who has contributed the most to the advancement of understanding and good will among nations through international participation in amateur aquatic sports. Rutemiller’s plaque, which was sent to his family reads:

“United States Aquatic Sports salutes your lifelong passion for swimming, honors your leadership and celebrates your voice as an advocate of aquatic sports throughout the world.”

Rutemiller was expected to receive the Max Ritter Award during last month’s United States Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. Sadly, he passed away during Trials. Since his passing, Rutemiller’s vast contributions have been recognized. Among his achievements include being the driving force toward the Hall of Fame constructing a new building to celebrate aquatic sports, and leading Swimming World, including the implementation of the Morning Swim Show. Rutemiller was also deeply involved in the Special Olympics, and frequently celebrated the accomplishments of his swimmers.

“Brent’s personality and demeanor was the successful formula to rebuilding the relationship between the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the City of Fort Lauderdale,” Neuburger said. “During his tenure as the CEO of ISHOF, many would have considered the differences between the two parties as insurmountable but Brent was able to bring the two organizations together.

“Like in his battle with cancer, Brent was undeterred by the obstacles ahead of him; he saw them not as boulders in the road but nothing more than pebbles in his shoe. He was always happy and smiling when bringing people together who may not have wanted to work together. I don’t think that anyone else could have done this. Brent did things that others failed at doing, he often did things that people dream of doing.

“Few could say they didn’t have an enemy. Brent was an amazing individual who everyone loved, respected and admired. He was a very special person who is dear to all of us. I can’t think of anyone that embodies the Max Ritter Award. Brent is everything that this award represents.”