Who was Lance Larson? Former Olympic Swimmer Dead at 83

Lance Larson, an esteemed figure in the realm of swimming and a genuine sports icon, passed away on January 19, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on July 3, 1940, in Monterey Park, California, Larson’s impact on aquatic sports is nothing short of legendary.

Overcoming the challenges of polio, Larson emerged as an early prodigy in the pool, showcasing his talent at El Monte High School, where he set numerous records. His prowess continued to grow, making him the first person to complete the 100-meter butterfly in under sixty seconds—a remarkable achievement etched in swimming history.

Larson’s collegiate years at the University of Southern California further solidified his talents, securing national championships across various styles as a key member of the USC Trojans. His crowning achievement occurred at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, where he earned a gold medal in the men’s 4×100-meter medley relay and a silver in the controversial 100-meter freestyle. The contentious finish of the latter event played a pivotal role in transforming swimming competitions, leading to the adoption of electronic touchpads for more precise timing.

His rival in that controversial event, Australian John Devitt, passed away in August at the age of 86. The chief judge’s decision favored Devitt despite matching times of 55.2 in the 100 free final.

In addition to his Olympic accolades, Larson set the world record in the men’s 200 IM in 1959 (2:24.7) and lowered the 100 fly mark twice in 1960, bringing it down from 1:01.0 to 58.7.

Larson’s contributions to swimming were officially acknowledged in 1980 when he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an “Honor Swimmer.” This recognition, among others, stands as a testament to his enduring impact on the swimming world.

Larson’s dedication to swimming revolutionized the sport, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of swimmers. Beyond the pool, he led a life marked by personal and professional achievements. A devoted husband and father, Larson transitioned from the challenges of swimming to the precision of dentistry, serving in the United States Navy’s Dental Corps and later operating dental practices in Orange County until his retirement to Southern California’s desert community in 1979.

Survived by his wife, Sherrie, and a large family, Lance Larson’s indomitable spirit, dedication, and achievements will be remembered far beyond the records and medals, leaving an enduring impact on the sport he loved and the lives he touched.