Rowdy Gaines has been named the newest host of the 2016 USA Swimming Golden Goggles Awards. The event, which is part ceremony to recognize the best in American swimming over the previous year and is in part a fundraiser for the USA Swimming Foundation, will kick off in 20 minutes at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. The silent auction and cocktail reception began at 5:30 PM, Eastern Time while the formal program begins at 6:30.
Rowdy will be the 3rd named host for the event this year. It was originally scheduled to be hosted by Bob Costas, who then had to back out due to other commitments. Next up was Dan Hicks, who is still listed as the host on the official site. Hicks will instead be replaced by his NBC Olympic broadcasting partner Gaines – who is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and an all-around ambassador for the sport.
USA Swimming has not given a reason for the change to Gaines.
Watch the live webcast of the Golden Goggle Awards here, and stay tuned to SwimSwam to read about all the winners.
Dan Hicks’ mother passed away. Very nice of Rowdy to step in.
sorry to hear this. Sending love to Hick and family.