PNA Dawn Musselman Award

PNA Dawn Musselman Inspirational Swimmer Award

PNA has presented the Dawn Musselman Inspirational Swimmer Award annually since 1986, in memory of our “ultimate Masters swimmer,” Dawn Musselman (1913-1986). Dawn inspired others and encouraged them to do their best. Want to know more? Read the article about her on pages 4-5 of the July 1976 issue of The WetSet. Also Dan Levin’s 1978 Sports Illustrated article about Dawn!

The recipients are:
2024 – [nominate!]
2023 – Mason Chuang
2022 – Jim Lasersohn
2021 – Tonya Berg
2020 – Steve Freeborn
2019 – Arni Litt
2018 – Lisa Dahl
2017 – Zena Courtney
2016 – Steve Peterson
2015 – Sally Dillon
2014 – Charlotte Davis
2013 – Rick Colella
2012 – Kiko Kimura
2011 – Sarah Welch
2010 – Betsey Kassen
2009 – Steve LaHaie
2008 – June Van Leynseele
2007 – Lee Carlson
2006 – Jeanne Ensign
2005 – Gene Crossett
2004 – Kathy Casey
2003 – Chaya Amiad
2002 – Barb Gundred
2001 – Paul Ikeda
2000 – Joan Davis
1999 – Dan Frost
1998 – Clark Pace
1997 – Suzanne Dills
1996 – Ian Thompson
1995 – Tammi Keeler
1994 – Marion Mueller
1993 – Robin O’Leary
1992 – Jan Kavadas
1991 – Karen Jost
1990 – Tom Foley
1989 – Jim Penfield
1988 – Maxine Carlson
1987 – Marlene Holmes
1986 – Dawn Musselman
Photo by Earl Walter (Oregon Masters) Photo by Earl Walter (Oregon Masters)

Nominations are open to all PNA members. We’re looking for the candidate who
– is an inspiration to all PNA swimmers
– willingly shares information, training, or coaching tips
– offers encouragement to other swimmers
– exhibits good sportsmanship always
– shows a strong commitment to PNA Masters Swimming.

Do you swim with someone who qualifies? Compose a few paragraphs telling us why! (Send to Steve Peterson before the end of March.)

The award, consisting of a personal plaque and the perpetual trophy with the recipient’s name added, is presented at the PNA Champs meet in Federal Way at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.