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Jim W Miller, May 23, 2001
Truly a man for all seasons- "Dr. Jim" has made his mark on all aspects of Masters Swimming: national and international competitor, certified FINA official, vice-president of USMS, Medical Coordinator for Championships since 1984, Committee Chairman, recipient of the first Coach of the Year Award in 1986, to say nothing of his multiple contributions to United States Swimming on the National and International levels.
An accomplished athlete - track, tennis, and soccer - Jim's early swimming career was limited to summer leagues. His coaching career began in 1969 while an undergraduate at the University of Virginia, continued through medical school - even during his residency he continued coaching swimmers at local and national levels. He entered the Masters world as a coach in 1981, re-entered the competitive world in 1982 at the insistence of his Masters team, and has competed in every National Championships since 1983 Long Course in Indiana.
From that time, Jim's involvement with USMS has been "a very rewarding process of growth" - representing USMS in many national and international forums. He served as USMS vice-president 1993-97, is currently Chairman of the Sports Medicine Committee, past Chairman of Coaches and One-Event Registration committees, and has been a member of Championship and Long Distance, where he authored the Guide for Cable Swims.
Jim is actively involved in Virginia, having served as Chairman of the LMSC as well as President of Virginia Masters. He coaches morning and evening workouts five days a week. At local and national meets, he and his lovely wife, Nancy, are found in the center of activities of Virginia Masters, in their deep purple bathing suits and warmups. Nancy herself is a top ten competitor, currently serving as Virginia Masters President, and is Chairman of the USMS Planning Committee. A highlight of Virginia's 1997 Coach and Mentor Clinic (the largest of its type in USMS history, with 20 coaches and 80 swimmers) was the stupendous catered party at "Club Miller."
Lisa Bennett , National Champion and All American breastroker, speaks for many of Jim's swimmers: "I always swim my best when Jim is there. His knowledge of coaching techniques, so precise and technical, allows me to dissect my own swimming. His motivational skills make me believe I can really accomplish something."
His multi-sided exposure with USMS propelled Jim into the world of United States Swimming - as one of eight USS traveling physicians for the quadrennium ending in Sydney in the year 2000, he went to the World Championships in Perth, Australia. Jim was team physician for the 1996 Olympic Trials: the 1997 Medical Director to Women's NCAA Division I swimming and diving championships. He also served as physician to the 1997 World University Teams and for the U.S. Olympic Committee to the 1998 Goodwill Games. Additionally, Jim set up testing protocols and the pre-participation survey for Masters Swimming at the International Center for Aquatics Research in Colorado Springs.
Only a person of Jim Miller 's seemingly unlimited talents could fit all this into one lifetime, never mind a 24-hour day. In his own words, "While I can think of many personal highs--single performances, placements at international games and Masters Nationals, anchoring a specific relay and all of its aspects, the Masters message of pure, uncomplicated love for this sport -- fitness, camaraderie, competition and personal growth -- would be the high points for me. This helps me in interacting the USS national-level athletes. The excitement that fills me for our sport is conveyed to that athlete, and works to also enhance their swimming experience. This is not to say that I would mind hitting that 24.0 in a relay at Short Course Nationals again, but times will come and go. The Masters experience as coach, athlete, and leader are very exciting and fulfilling to me."