USMS Athletes Inducted into the Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame (MISHOF)

Recipient:	William Specht
Year:	2006
LMSC:	Florida

Born in New Jersey, he learned to swim with the YMCA program and became a national champion. Following high school, he continued his swimming career becoming an all- American at Princeton in the 100 and 200 fly. He qualified for the 1980 Olympics but was unable to compete due to the U.S. boycott.

After graduation, he started a family, worked in New York and began swimming with the Masters program. It seemed he and his family needed a change, they decided tomove to Florida. They carefully surveyed the Master's swimming programs and decided to move to the Tampa area where he joined the St. Petersburg Masters program swimming for Coach George Bole. Since that move, William Specht has not stopped breaking records, many times, his own. He trains hard, nearly 5000 kilometers a day and enjoys the competition and camaraderie.

Since 1988, Bill Specht has competed in four age groups beginning in the 30 through 34 group and broken 30 FINA Masters World Records within the backstroke, butterfly and freestyle events. In 1998, he was named the top Masters Swimmer of the year.

He is relentless in his pursuit of excellence but humble in his accomplishments. He is always there for his teammates and often offering his support and encouragement. His records will become the goals for future young people to aspire and further their accomplishments as well as for the sport of competitive swimming.