Mark Whitt Inducted In Vermont Open Water Swimming Hall of Fame
Courtesy of Charlotte Brynn, Vermont Open Water Swimming Hall of Fame.
Mark Whitt volunteered and shared hundreds of hours over the course of many years, supporting swimmers and the growth swimming in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. His selflessness led to his induction in the Vermont Open Water Swimming Hall of Fame in its Class of 2020.
Charlotte Brynn, chairperson of the Vermont Open Water Swimming Hall of Fame, explains the honor, “He participated at In Search of Memphre during 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, kayaking the 25-mile length of the lake for John Batchelder in 2017 and Mary Stella in 2018 and piloting the escort boat for Katie Benoit in 2015 and the patrol boat Django in 2016.
He was a regular and dependable volunteer at Kingdom Swim and NEK Swim Week, relishing the longer swims like the 25 km Border Buster and the 18-mile Massawippi double crossing. He also volunteered at the Memphremagog Winter Swim Festival, with his ever present GoPro. He kayaked at the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (and then 20 Bridges), SCAR, and other events around the country, supporting the larger open water swimming community.
His quiet presence and understated wit were refreshing, and his love of these swims was deep. Sadly, Mark passed away March 7th, 2020.”
Brynn announced Grimmer along with the other Class of 2020 inductees in the Vermont Open Water Swimming Hall Of Fame. “The Vermont Open Water Swimming Hall of Fame was established in 2016 and recognizes those Vermonters and those with substantial connections to Vermont who have achieved greatness in the open water and those who make significant , awe-inspiring contributions to their success.
The New England State of Vermont is situated in the northeast corner of USA and is one of the most tranquil and scenic states, boasting many pristine lakes that range in both size and elevation. Much of the appeal is the crystal clear waters, breathtaking mountains, wide open spaces, playful lakes and wonderful open water swimming community which consists of homegrown Vermonters and those with significant ties to Vermont. It is an honor to congratulate and welcome our new 2020 inductees.
- Ian Grimmer, marathon swimmer
- Paul Asmuth, marathon swimmer
- Vera Rivard, marathon swimmer and winter swimmer
- Pam Ladds, contributor and winter swimmer
- Mark Whitt, contributor
- Team Rivard, contributors including Darcie, Kevin, Margaret, and Vera Rivard
We will be hosting an induction ceremony on July 23rd at Jaspers in Newport, Vermont. On July 24th, the Kingdom Games will host the 2021 Kingdom Swim with 1-, 3-, 6-, and 10-mile events and a 25 km course held in the magical waters of Lake Memphremagog.”
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