Furniss Brothers to be Inducted Into 2019 Aquatic Capital of America Hall of Fame
September 19, 2019 | Men's Swimming & Diving, Features
Long Beach, Calif. – Former USC Olympic Medalists Bruce and Steve Furniss will be inducted into the 2019 Aquatic Capital of America Hall of Fame on Sept. 19, 2019 at the Pete Archer Rowing Center in Long Beach.
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While at USC, Bruce Furniss helped the Trojans secure two NCAA swimming team championships in 1976 and 1977 and four Pac-10 titles from 1976 to 1979. The 18-time All-American also captured six national crowns in the 200-yard freestyle, 200-yard freestyle relay and 400-yard freestyle relay.
Furniss, who competed despite battling a crippling arthritic disease, also dominated on the international scene as a four-time world record holder in the 200-meter freestyle and 800-meter freestyle relay. A 19-time American record holder, Furniss collected gold medals at the 1975 and 1978 World Championships. In addition, he was a two-time gold medalist at the 1976 Olympic Games. In 2004, he was recognized with the prestigious NCAA "Silver Anniversary Award," and he was inducted into the International Swimming, Orange County Sports and USC Athletic Halls of Fame.Â
Older brother Steve Furniss was a two-time Olympian winning a bronze medal in the 200-meter individual medley in 1972 and serving as co-captain for arguably one of the most successful Olympic swim teams in history. Furniss won four NCAA individual medley titles and set two world records as a Trojan, earning him a spot on the Pac 12 All-Century Swim Team. Steve was also a two-time All-American Water Polo player while at USC. In 1984, Steve co-founded TYR Sport, and was named Inc. Magazine's 1994 Orange County "Entrepreneur of the Year." He was also the recipient of the 2014 Endurance Live Industry Award for his contributions to the sports of swimming and triathlon. Â
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Joining the Furniss brothers as an inductee of the 2019 Hall of Fame class is former Long Beach Swim Club Coach, Dick Jochums, who coached the powerhouse Furniss duo in the mid-70's. As an early proponent of high-quality interval training, Jochums was considered one of the best middle-distance coaches in the world, placing swimmers on every major USA International team from 1968-2016. While swimming for Jochums and Long Beach Swim Club, Bruce and Steve teamed up with Rex Favero and Tim Shaw to set the 800-meter freestyle relay world record, which currently stands.Â
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Aquatic Capital of America Foundation, was formed in 2008 to promote the myriad of aquatic activities offered in Long Beach, California; to recognize, honor and support the City of Long Beach and its aquatic athletes, coaches, and organizations; and to promote water safety and education. The Foundation also supports community and regional efforts to cleanse local waterways as well as to increase the number of local aquatic facilities. For tickets go to acoahalloffame.funraise.org/
