Francis Crippen (17 April 1984 – 23 October 2010) was an open water swimmer who was inducted as an Honour Swimmer in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 2011. He was a gentlemen, a hero and an inspiration. Crippen leaves behind a legacy; not only as a world-class athlete, but as someone you would be proud to have as a son, brother, teammate and friend. He was always there for his very close-knit family. He was always lending an ear and hand to friends. He was always there for his teammates and he always had time for fans and younger swimmers.