Hobie Billingsley

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Hobie Billingsley is an American diving champion and honoree of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Considered one of the highlights of his career was during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, when Billingsley was honored by his nation with the opportunity to conduct the oath of judges by proclaiming, "In the name of all the judges and officials, I promise that we shall officiate in these Olympic Games with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them in the true spirit of sportsmanship."

Hobie Billingsley was Indiana University’s diving coach from 1959 to 1989, during which time his divers won more than 100 national diving titles. His Olympic gold and bronze medalists include Lesley Bush, Ken Sitzberger, Mark Lenzi, Cynthia Potter, Win Young, and Jim Henry. Mr. Billingsley founded the World Diving Coaches Association in 1968, and was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1983. He is considered by many to be one of the most influential figures in the history of diving. His legacy is carried on by his former divers who are now coaches at universities, high schools, and swim clubs throughout the United States. Mr. Billingsley is profiled in the award-winning and widely-televised documentary Hobie’s Heroes – 25th Anniversary Edition, which depicts the struggles and successes of young divers training under this legendary coach.