Dick Hannula

Dick Hannula is one of the winningest high school and club coaches in the history of swimming. Before retiring in 1993, he coached for 41 years—25 years at Wilson High School and 7 years at Lincoln High School, both in Tacoma, Washington. While at Wilson, he racked up the longest high school undefeated streak on record, winning 323 consecutive meets, including 24 consecutive boys’ Washington state high school swimming championships. Hannula founded Tacoma Swim Club and served as head coach for 42 years. He has coached four U.S. Olympic team swimmers, including Kaye Hall, Olympic- and world-record holder for the 100-meter backstroke. He has also coached numerous Olympic team members, including one Olympic gold medalist and one world record holder; World University Games swimmers; Pan American Games and World Championship swimmers; several U.S. national champions; and American record holders. Hannula served multiple terms as president of the American Swimming Coaches Association and is a former vice president of the World Swim Coaches Association. He has been inducted into several halls of fame, including the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Hannula resides in Tacoma, Washington.