Remembering Fran

On Saturday, October 23rd, USA Swimming National Team Member Fran Crippen passed away during the Open Water World Cup 10k race in the United Arab Emirates. The cause of death remains unknown, however USA Swimming announced today that, regardless of the actions taken by others, they plan to investigate the cause of death in hopes of preventing a tragedy of this nature from happening again.

The following articles express some of the reactions of those who were closest to him, including German Town Academy Coach Richard Shoulberg, Mission Viejo Nadadores Coach Bill Rose, and Sister Maddy Crippen.

As a competitor Fran was a force to be reckoned with, as a National Team Member he had become a veteran leader, as a friend he was a compassionate individual, and as a brother he was a 'hero.' Above all he was Fran.

Fran was more than a National Team Athlete, he was a National Team Advocate. He cared deeply about athlete rights and had an incredible ability to put personal opinion aside and make decisions based on the athletes as a whole. Most recently he was outspoken in favor of the Athletes Partnership Plan during the annual USAS Convention in Dallas, TX.

On Sunday evening during a USA Swimming Athletes Executive Committee (AEC) conference call, Fran was unanimously voted the National Team Vice Chair - a position for which he had accepted the nomination just prior to leaving for the U.A.E. Fran will remain in this position as an honorary member through the end of the term in 2012.

Condolences to the Crippen Family - one of the quintessential families of our sport.