Sitting around one evening a few months ago, I came up with a few statistics that might help put my swimming career into perspective. From 1972 to 1992 I spent the equivalent of three full years or 26,000 hours submerged in the water. In 1992, three years represented 12% of my life. Translated further, these statistics equate to 92,000,000 yards (or 17,500 miles) of swimming, plus 2,900 races, and travel to 24 different states and 14 countries. The payoff was four world records, three world bests, nine American records, 2 individual NCAA titles, and 2 gold, one silver, and one bronze Olympic medals in two Olympic Games. There is no doubt in my mind that Harvard played the greatest role in shaping who I am and what I have achieved in life. I came to Harvard as a know-it-all kid with little discipline, a lot of attitude, and big dreams. I was the Harvard Class of '88 "mistake." Despite obvious shortcomings, my coaches interpreted my quirks and refocused my attention. I learned how to work hard and manage my time. My swimming improved as did my academics. My teammates provided an atmosphere filed with the ethics of hard work, encouragement, and cooperation. My professors and the administrative staff supported my successes. I left Harvard as a very different person. In the end I likely overachieved.

It is difficult to tell you all of what I feel as a result of all of this distance, time, and good fortune. No one moment during my four years at Harvard stands out as the best. My life at Harvard and my new life in Montana seem so unreal. I am truly very lucky. I am honored to have been asked to become a member of the Harvard Varsity Club Hall of Fame and share this moment with my east coast family, my Montana family, my friends, and the other incredible inductees. Thank you so much.