Embedded Files
Inside pool view of Canham Natatorium. Photo Credit: teamunify
Prestige and Legacy
Prestige and Legacy
by Erich Zhang
With a legacy that includes Olympic medalists, NCAA champions, and a commitment to excellence in athletics and beyond, University of Michigan's Donald B. Canham Natatorium stands as a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and passion for the sport. In the world of aquatic athletics, few facilities can match the prestige and history of Canham. From its stunning design by renowned architect Michael Graves to its role as the training ground for the greatest swimmer of all time, Michael Phelps, this facility has played an integral role in shaping the sport of swimming.
Canham Natatorium is home to the Michigan Wolverines men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams and water polo squads. It was built in 1988 and then renovated in 1998 to be one of the finest facilities for aquatics in the country (“Donald B."). The university commissioned world-renowned architect Michael Graves to design the new facility, which was completed in 1987, according to a plaquehanging in the facility. The design features a distinctive blue roof and a spacious interior, with a 50-meter pool, a diving well, and ample seating for spectators. In addition to serving the university's athletic programs, the facility is used by local swim clubs, high schools, and other organizations.
"Michigan athletic director Don Canham at his desk." Photo courtesy: Michigan In the World LSA project
Its namesake, Don Canham, coached the men’s track and field team before becoming Michigan’s fifth athletic director in 1968 and was an NCAA high jump champion for Michigan in 1940 (“Donald B."). As athletic director, he was responsible for hiring Bo Schembeckler, ushering in a golden era of Michigan Wolverines football (“Donald B."). Most notably outside of athletics, Canham revolutionized college sports by introducing new marketing and fundraising strategies, such as selling advertising space, obtaining corporate sponsorships, and expanding the reach of Michigan's athletic programs (Freed). With a name that means “world leader” or “ruler” ("Don"), it’s no wonder how he reigned at the top of the collegiate sports world for his duration at the UM.
Canham Natatorium’s most outstanding legacy is that it is home to the greatest swimmer of all time, Michael Phelps. Phelps first competed at the facility in 2001, as a high school student at the USA Swimming Junior Nationals (Venkat). He returned to Canham several times throughout his career, competing in various events and setting records along the way. Canham was his main training ground leading up to the 2004 Olympic games, where he would go on to set numerous records and win 5 gold medals (Venkat). Canham Natatorium played a pivotal role in Phelps' career, providing him with a world-class venue to showcase his talents and inspiring him to achieve greatness in the pool.
Since then, this historical training ground of champions has claimed nine Olympic medalists, five NCAA champions, and 33 Big Ten championship teams (needs source). It has served as a venue for a number of prestigious swimming events, including the NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships and the United States Masters Swimming Nationals. Additionally, it is the main training ground of the local swim club in Ann Arbor-Club Wolverine (needs source). It is now a silver medal club ranked among the top 50 swim clubs in the U.S. (needs source).
Don Canham’s legacy continues to be remembered today by setting a standard for all aquatic athletics carried out at this facility. It sets the standard for not only athletics at the University of Michigan but also inspires and nurtures the next generation of world-class swimmers.
Works Cited
“Donald B. Canham Natatorium.” University of Michigan Athletics. MGoBluecom. 16 June 2017. https://mgoblue.com/sports/2017/6/16/facilities-canham-natatorium. Accessed 20 April 2023.
Freed, Ben. “Widow of Former Michigan Ad Don Canham: 'His Legacy Is Going down the Drain'.” Mlive, 1 Oct. 2014, https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2014/10/widow_of_former_michigan_ad_do.html.
“Don.” Family Education, https://www.familyeducation.com/baby-names/name-meaning/don.
Plaque in Canham Natatorium dedicated to Don Canham, 1988 by The University of Michigan. Seen on: March 30, 2023.
Venkat, Rahul. “Michael Phelps' Olympic Medals: A Complete Guide to How They Were Won.” Olympics.com, International Olympic Committee, 23 Mar. 2022, https://olympics.com/en/news/michael-phelps-olympic-medals-record-how-many-gold-swimmer-w orld-record.
Page updated
Report abuse