John Spannuth
It would be easier to say which parts of the aquatics world John Spannuth has not influenced than to try listing all of his accomplishments over a career spanning 50+ years.
Currently the president/CEO of the United States Water Fitness Association and a popular conference speaker, Spannuth shows no signs of slowing down.
He began his career as aquatics director of the YMCA in Reading, Pa., in 1956. Since then, he has taken many leadership roles, such as coach for Phillips 66 Splash Club swimmers; national aquatics administrator for the Amateur Athletic Union; international director of Special Olympics; head swim coach for two U.S. national teams; chairman of the National Forum for the Advancement of Aquatics; and president of the American Swimming Coaches Association. He also was instrumental in starting Masters Swimming.
The list goes on and on — and aquatics is the better for it.
No doubt, many talents and passions have driven his success, but he counts the desire to find and guide gifted people among the top of the list. “I’m very good at recognizing talent,” he says. “I love helping people get ahead and have mentored many over the years.”
