USMS Award Recipient

U.S. Masters Swimming Dorothy Donnelly Service Award



Recipient: Mark Wussler
Year: 2015
LMSC: San Diego - Imperial

Mark Wussler, a lifelong athlete who advocated for healthy lifestyles, found joy in sharing his love of swimming; a commitment evidenced by more than 40 years of involvement. Mark coached an AAU team in the 1970s. He founded, coached and co-captained the Different Strokes Swim Team (DSST) in the 1980s and co-founded the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA) organization in 1987. A member of USMS for 35 years, Mark served his local LMSC as Vice Chair, Registrar, Fitness and Sports Medicine Chair, Safety Chair, Coach Representative and Delegate to the USMS Annual Convention (10 times). Nationally, Mark served on the International and Sports Medicine, Health and Safety committees and as Liaison to IGLA. Described as "highly competent" and "invaluable,” his efforts were most appreciated by his LMSC. Mark served as a USMS advocate and volunteer, because "swimmers are exceptionally fun people!"