Kathy Shipman, An Open Water Athlete Like No Other
Back in 1972, no local was surprised when 12-year-old Kathy Shipman finished first in the women’s division at the 3rd Waikiki Roughwater Swim and fifth overall.The young talent was an outstanding pool and open water swimmer who was on USA Swimming national teams competing internationally when she was ranked fourth in the world at the age of 14 in the 100m butterfly. But she was also a double-threat athlete skilled in various sports both in and out of the water.
After a stellar career on Oahu, Shipman went on to win an NCAA title at Arizona State where she also was an All-American swimmer in 8 events and played volleyball. It was said that her throwing arm was better than the male teammates and she also known as an excellent surfer.
Currently a realtor, Shipman remains active in Maui playing tennis and doing SUP.
Copyright © 2013 by World Open Water Swimming Association
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.
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