Masters Swimming officially began May 2, 1970 after Captain Ransom J. Arthur, M.D., a San Diego navy doctor, convinced John Spannuth, President of the Coaches Association, to hold the first National Masters Swimming Championships in his Amarillo Aquatic Club pool. Ransom felt that if the incentive was appealing, it would give older swimmers (ex-competitors and beginners) a goal for keeping physically fit. Dr. Arthur's mission of encouraging adults to improve fitness through swimming has grown over the years into a nationwide organization of over 54,000 adult swimmers.

USMS has a rich history filled with legendary swimmers and volunteers contributing to the cause of providing for lifelong fitness through swimming. The USMS History & Archives Committee preserves and documents this history in a variety of ways.

• Stories About Swimmers
• Oral History Project
• Olympians in USMS
• Competition:
• Top Ten listings
• All American listings
• All-Star listings