Carol Jewell, a kindergarten teacher who doubled as competitive and collegial open water swimmer from Newport Beach, California, passed away this Monday after a long battle with cancer.
She absolutely sparkled as a teacher, mother, wife and swimmer. Her joy of life was shared with everyone. The principal of her school remarked to the Daily Pilot, “It’s so sad. “Everybody absolutely loved her. She was so strong … so strong. She worked every day up until a few weeks ago. Even some of the children’s parents had her — that’s how long she worked here.”
Friend Ellen Shockro who knew Carol since 1980 remarked on this incredible woman, “She was an outstanding swimmer and person. She was famous as an elementary teacher here in Newport Beach. She had a positive attitude, was a skilled pianist, singer, artist, and truly a positive light in so many people’s lives.”
“When she did ocean events, no one could beat her in her age group. When she swam in Nationals, she won the middle distance freestyle and butterfly events.”
Lynn Kubasek, another stalwart in the Orange County open water swimming scene, summed her what many people are thinking, “I feel like we have lost quite a legend. She was such an amazing, positive, joyful swimmer..”
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.