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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Eight-time University of Iowa All-American Bowen Stassforth passed away at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on Nov. 22. He was 93.
Stassforth, called “America’s Greatest Breaststroke Champion” of the 1950s was the 1952 Olympic Silver Medalist in the 200 breaststroke and World record holder in the 200-yard breaststroke.
At the conclusion of his career in 1952, Stassforth concurrently held 16 national breaststroke records in distances from 200 yards to 500 meters in 20-yard, short-course and long-course pools.
Charles Roeser, the chairman of the 1952 U.S. Olympic men’s swimming committee, called Stassforth “one of the most cooperative athletes I have ever known in 30 years of teaching and coaching.” Roeser also called him, “America’s greatest breaststroke champion, but more than that, a real American and gentleman whose conduct is a worthy example for others to follow.”
Funeral arrangements are pending.
