13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Indiana swimming legend dies
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Indiana, Jan. 5 - Sunday an Indiana coaching legend died in his sleep. James "Doc" Counsilman coached Indiana University to six NCAA swimming championships.
His most unique accomplishment was swimming the English Channel at age 58, making him the oldest man to do so at the time.
The Indiana University Natatorium bears his name. And as a coach, Doc Counsilman forever changed the sport of swimming.
He coached 48 Olympians in his career, giving credit to his athletes.
Still, some of the standards set by Counsilman's swimmers are not equaled. He was a man who made such a huge splash when he revolutionized swimming in the 20th century that every swimmer feels the ripples of his wake.
Counsilman also made many lasting contributions to his sport, including writing a book in 1968. "The Science of Swimming" was translated into 20 different languages and is considered an essential text for the sport.
Counsilman was 83-years-old. He is survived by his wife Marge.
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