The death of longtime USA Swimming chief Chuck Wielgus led to an outpouring of tributes from the swimming community on Sunday.
Wielgus died of complications from colon cancer at age 67.
He had battled the cancer for more than 10 years, undergoing regular chemotherapy while overseeing incredible growth and success for the organization.
In January, Wielgus annnounced he would retire from his USA Swimming executive director post this September after 20 years at the helm.
A sampling of reaction from U.S. Olympic swimming champions and coaches from Sunday:
RIP Chuck. Thank you for all you did for the sport!! #swimmingfamily https://t.co/FiVnemYtv2
— Brooke Bennett (@BrookeBennett) April 23, 2017
Very sad day for the swimming community. Thank you for all you did Chuck! https://t.co/Vcm2Tu272z
— Ricky Berens (@RickyBerens) April 23, 2017
His leadership made US Swimming - from its age groupers to its Olympians - the successful organization it is today. Prayers to his family. https://t.co/4ZNWYB5329
— Janet Evans (@janetevans) April 23, 2017
An amazing leader, an incredible mentor, a wonderful friend. RIP Chuck.
— Rowdy Gaines (@RowdyGaines) April 23, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Wielgus family.
Great leader. When Chuck asked if there was anything he could do to help, he meant it. Condolences to the family. RIP. We miss you already. https://t.co/HsoHKab9yb
— Bruce Gemmell (@CoachGemmell) April 23, 2017
My heart is heavy, Chuck thank you for the kind words & mentorship over the years, you will be truly missed. SWIM lost a true visionary, RIP https://t.co/LWYeqkakeB
— Cullen Jones (@CullenJones) April 23, 2017
RIP Mr. Wielgus. I will always appreciate the support I received from him as a young Team USA Swimmer. Condolences & prayers for his family. pic.twitter.com/TEMdwDYrp8
— Katie Ledecky (@katieledecky) April 23, 2017
Thanks for everything you have done for our sport. You have made swimming not just an every 4 year sport and you will be greatly missed. https://t.co/IaFd8ms6AS
— Jason Lezak (@JasonLezak) April 23, 2017
A great dreamer, great doer, and a great daddy. God Bless you Chuck. https://t.co/kg9Q18RWTs
— David Marsh (@SwimCoachMarsh) April 23, 2017
Great man. Did more for our sport than we can thank him for. RIP https://t.co/vw6U3tUUJ1
— Cody Miller (@swimiller) April 23, 2017
So sad 2 hear Chuck Wielgus CEO of @USASwimming passed away today. He was a tremendous man we all loved & respected. Rest In Peace sweet man pic.twitter.com/7SCtr5eKnJ
— Dara Torres (@DaraTorres) April 24, 2017
OlympicTalk is on Apple News. Favorite us!
MORE: Michael Phelps Q&A on swimming with sharks, meeting Usain Bolt
