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Swim Coach Richard Quick Dies from Brain Cancer

Coach Richard Quick Dead at Age 66

By Mat Luebbers, About.com

Coach Richard Quick

Coach Richard Quick hugs Jenny Thompson during the Pan Pacific Championships at Sydney International Aquatic Center.

Getty Images/Nick Wilson/Allsport
Swim Coach Richard Quick has died from brain cancer at age 66. Diagnosed in late 2008 with an inoperable brain tumor, Richard fought to the end, including teaming with Swim Across America with the Swim Quick - Richard Quick Endowment Fund to raise money to find a cure for cancer. His passing has left a hole in the swimming community.

Richard Quick Memorial Fund

He will be remembered for his coaching successes. Coach Quick led his swim teams to 13 NCAA Titles:

  • 5 at Texas
  • 7 at Stanford
  • 1 at Auburn
He was named NCAA coach of the year 6 times
He was a 6 time US Olympic Coach (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004)
He was involved in the swimming careers of many swimmers, including:
  • Jenny Thompson
  • Tara Kirk
  • Dana Kirk
  • Janel Jorgensen
  • Rowdy Gaines
  • Dave McCagg
  • Summer Sanders
  • Dara Torres
  • Misty Hyman
  • Steve Lundquist

Richard will be remembered more for the way he helped so many find their own successes and helped them to "believe in belief" as he did.

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