Lance Larson Obituary

Lance Larson Sr., the accomplished 1960 Olympic gold medalist and NCAA Champion from USC, passed away on Friday (Jan. 19) due to complications from pneumonia. He was 83.

During his time at USC, Larson distinguished himself as a six-time All-American, excelling in events such as the 100-yard fly, 100-yard free, 200-yard fly, and 200-yard IM. In his senior year in 1962, he secured two NCAA titles, one individually and one as part of a relay team. Larson played a pivotal role in USC’s triumph at the California Invitational Championship in 1960, contributing to Pacific Coast titles in the 200-yard fly and 200-yard IM, as well as claiming another Pacific Coast title in 1961 in the 100-yard fly. Additionally, Larson earned three Amateur Athletic Union titles during his tenure at USC, one individually and two as part of relay teams.

As a member of Team USA at the 1960 Rome Olympics, Larson achieved gold in the 400-meter free relay and silver in the 100-meter freestyle. The latter event marked a controversial finish that influenced the evolution of swimming competitions, leading to the adoption of electronic touchpads for more precise timing. In that same year, Larson made history by becoming the first man to break one minute in the 100-meter butterfly.

Larson, hailing from El Monte (Calif.) High School, joined USC after becoming the first high school swimmer to break the 50-second barrier in the 100-yard freestyle. His contributions to the sport were recognized when he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an “Honor Swimmer” in 1980.

Following his successful swimming career, Larson served with distinction in the United States Navy’s Dental Corps. He later operated his own dental practice in Orange County from 1979 until his retirement in 2014.

Survived by his wife, Sherrie, Larson leaves behind a legacy through his sons Lance Jr. (Margaret), Greg (Rachelle), Gary (Alissa), and Randy (Kathryn), daughters Jairica Larson Fosburg (Matt) and Danica Larson Juliano (Joe), step-daughters Erica Leon, Jessica Sherwood (Kevin), and Monica Jara (Javier), along with numerous grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Lance M. Larson will take place on March 1 at 11:00 a.m. at the Garden Grove Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in Garden Grove, Calif. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to pay tribute to Larson’s memory may contribute to the Trojan Victory Fund supporting the USC men’s and women’s swimming and diving program at [link], or by mail to 3501 Watt Way, Heritage Hall 203B, Los Angeles, CA 90089.