The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) was honored to be selected for the 2014 R. Max Ritter Award by United States Aquatic Sports (USAS), which was presented on May 2, 2015 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The R. Max Ritter Award is donated by the Ritter Family and is presented annually by the USAS to the organization or individual of an International Swimming Federation (FINA) member country who has contributed the most to the advancement of understanding and goodwill among nations through international participation in amateur aquatic sports. The award is named for R. Max Ritter, a founding member of FINA and the founder of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Ritter competed in swimming from 1908 – 1922 and continued to stay involved afterward as a sports legislator and administrator. He has left a tremendous legacy on FINA and the international swimming community.
USAS President Steve McFarland (former president of USA Diving and former US Olympic coach) presented the award to USADA’s CEO Travis T. Tygart on behalf of the organization on Saturday. McFarland stated that USADA has been the “gatekeepers of integrity for sport, faithfully standing at that post against steep odds of failing.” McFarland shared with the event attendees that the award is fitting for USADA and shared gratitude for USADA’s work on behalf of the USAS organization. Also speaking at the event, Rich Young said, “USADA is the most highly regarded anti-doping agency in the world. They have given American athletes credibility.”
USADA’s Chief Science Officer Dr. Larry Bowers and General Counsel William Bock were also present to receive the award. Dr. Bowers is a member of the FINA Doping Control Review Board and William Bock is a member of the FINA Doping panel.
USADA is grateful for the recognition and honored to be counted amongst the esteemed past recipients of this award. This year’s award recognition was featured in Sunday’s edition of Swimming World Magazine.
USAS highlights the award and the recipients on their website.
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