Mike Nyeholt (2003) - USC Athletics Hall of Fame

Mike Nyeholt

Induction:
2003
Class:
1977

Mike Nyeholt turned tragedy into unparalleled triumph. Nyeholt was a 3-time All-American freestyle swimmer at USC (1975-77) who once was ranked 13th in the world. However, in 1981, he was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident. His friends and teammates, led by fellow swimmer and roommate Ron Orr, rallied to his aid that year by staging a swim-a-thon (then called “Swim For Mike”) that raised $58,000 for a specially-equipped van. At Nyeholt’s suggestion, the excess donations were used to establish USC’s Physically Challenged Athletes Scholarship Fund. The next year, Nyeholt joined other swimmers in the water helping raise money and the swim-a-thon became an annual event, which was renamed “Swim With Mike.” Now in its 45th year, in excess of $32 million has been raised to provide more than 320 college scholarships (to USC and 162 other universities) to athletes who have overcome life-challenging accidents or illnesses. Nyeholt, who became an accountant and financial manager, today is able to do some walking without crutches. He has received numerous national honors for the program, including the NCAA Inspiration Award and USC Alumni Association Merit Award.