Former US Olympic Coach and American Olympic swimmer Jack Nelson passed away this morning due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease according to CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Bruce Wigo.
Nelson swam for the United States at the 1956 summer Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. There he finished fourth in the 200m butterfly final which was the first butterfly final ever to be featured at an Olympic Games following the birth of the stroke.
Following that, Nelson began coaching, starting a legacy that would affect American swimming thoroughly for years to come. He founded the Fort Lauderdale Swim Team, a team which he lead to a total of six US National Championship titles.
During his storied career, Nelson coached five swimmers who would go on to win Olympic medals. He coached 30 High School State Championship teams in Florida, and due to his success was named to the 1976 US Olympic team as the women’s head coach.
There, Nelson led the women’s team in Montreal to a gold medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay, where they set a world record with a time of 3:44.82 despite being up against the East German women who would be convicted of doping in later years.
Nelson led a great team to excellent results through the 1976 East German doping scandal, and for his efforts he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1994 as an “Honor Coach.” Later in his career he was inducted into the American Swimming Coaches Association hall of fame in 2009.
Passing away at 82, Nelson leaves behind a legacy of elite coaching and swimming that will be remembered as he helped to shape American swimming.
He was a rapist
Jack will always be an inspiration to anyone involved in the sport of swimming. At only 5’4″ in size he was an overachiever who met his goal to become an Olympic swimmer and world record holder. He was a giant as a world class swimming coach. His greatest attribute was his outgoing fun personality. He will be forever remembers and admired by his thousands of his swimmers, fellow coaches , officials and friends. May he rest in peace.
To this very day we still talk about the things Coach did and said. He was the most energetic man –even at 5 am!! His impact on our lives will be with us for the rest of our lives. As I coach high school swimming today I find myself telling swimmers the very same things Coach would say. He lives on in all of us who were fortunate enough to have him influence our lives — both in and out of the pool. Till we meet again, Coach, rest in peace……Dale, Cheryl and Renee
The shortest giant you will ever meet. RIP Coach Nelson.
Coach you are a great man, teacher and inspiration. You helped forge me into the competitor that I am even still to today. I love and miss you.
Bruce Rogers
To all of the Nelson family, I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I spent many great years of my life learning from Jack, both in the water and out. I could sit hear and list the many accomplishments that Jack had in his life and all he did for those he touched but, let me just say, Jack (Coach) rest in peace.
Coach Nelson was my mentor, my rival and treasured friend for 37 years. My memories of this visionary coach will always include a high degree of concern for his swimmers, family, staff, and friends. When the finals are over, always raise a glass and toast one of the greatest swimming coaches ever. JACK W. NELSON…. A life lived well.
GTB
You will be missed coach. You have inspire in many in life and in the water. I remember everyday your teaching. Your legacy and memories will continue to carry on with all of your former swimmers. Coach we will miss you!!!! And my prayers and thoughts with his wife Sherryl and the Nelson family.