Legendary USC waterman Bob Hughes passed away this month at the age of 81. The Trojan Hall of Famer is best known for being the only man in U.S. history to qualify and compete in two different water sports (water polo and swimming) at the same Olympic Games (Melbourne 1956).
Click here for his obituary and memorial guestbook.
Hughes starred in both sports at Troy, including earning All-American credentials as a swimmer in 1955 and 1956. He is credited with popularizing the two-meter position in water polo, and once broke the world record in the 100m breaststroke.
Click here for his obituary and memorial guestbook.
Hughes starred in both sports at Troy, including earning All-American credentials as a swimmer in 1955 and 1956. He is credited with popularizing the two-meter position in water polo, and once broke the world record in the 100m breaststroke.
I grew up in Hermosa Beach, CA in the 40's and 50's, developing a love affair with the ocean and admiring the men who worked the beaches as lifeguards. Those same men embraced the ocean and were the pioneers of present day surfing culture. Bob Hughes was one of those men. He was a hero of mine. I had the honor of working with him as a professional lifeguard at Zuma Beach in the early 60's and also competing with him in the dories on Taplin and Intercrew teams. He was, as has been mentioned, "a gentle giant", and yet, an "olympian competitor". His gentle spirit and warmth of character will be sorely missed by all who knew him.