Wally Ris

Wally Ris, born on January 4, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois, emerged as a remarkable figure in the world of competitive swimming. As the son of Russian immigrants, he grew up in a family of three brothers, where his passion for swimming began to flourish.

Ris attended Crane Technical High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as a star swimmer. His talent led him to the University of Iowa, where he swam for the Iowa Hawkeyes swimming and diving team from 1947 to 1949. During his time at Iowa, he was not only a member of the Iowa Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon but also trained under the esteemed Hall of Fame Coach David Armbruster.

His dedication and skill culminated in an impressive achievement as he became the NCAA national champion in the 100-yard freestyle in both 1948 and 1949. Ris's prowess in the pool was further highlighted by his status as a two-time Olympic champion and world record-holder, solidifying his legacy in the sport.