Key Takeaways
- Dick Kimball, a pioneering diver and coach, died at age 91, leaving a profound impact on collegiate and Olympic diving.
- He amassed 43 years as Michigan’s head diving coach, guiding teams to five NCAA championships and 33 Big Ten titles.
- Kimball mentored nine Olympic medalists, including multiple gold‑medalists, and served as an assistant on five U.S. Olympic staffs. – Known for his playful spirit, he popularized “comedy diving” performances that entertained audiences and broke social norms.
- His numerous awards—including induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame—reflect a legacy of coaching excellence and sport‑building.
Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Born in Rochester, Minnesota, Dick Kimball distinguished himself as a four‑time Minnesota high‑school diving champion before briefly attending the University of Oklahoma. He transferred to the University of Michigan, where he quickly became a dominant force in collegiate diving, contributing to three Wolverines NCAA championship squads. As a student‑athlete, he captured individual titles on both the one‑meter and three‑meter platforms in 1957 and also competed for Michigan’s gymnastics team, even securing a national trampoline championship, showcasing a rare blend of grace and athleticism.
College Competitive Achievements
During his collegiate career, Kimball helped the Wolverines win three consecutive NCAA team titles and secured two individual national championships in 1957. His competitive success laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the sport, influencing not only his own performance but also the development of future divers under his guidance. The precision and creativity he displayed as an athlete would later become hallmark traits of his coaching philosophy.
Long‑Term Coaching Tenure at Michigan
After hanging up his competitive gear, Kimball embarked on a 43‑year tenure as the head diving coach for the University of Michigan’s men’s program (with 27 years also overseeing the women’s team). Under his leadership, the Wolverines captured five NCAA championships and 33 Big Ten Conference titles. His coaching excellence earned him multiple Big Ten Diving Coach of the Year honors and the prestigious NCAA Diving Coach of the Year award in 1984 (both men’s and women’s programs) and 1988 (women’s only). Throughout his career, he mentored nine Olympic medalists, underscoring his role as a premier developer of elite talent.
Innovative Spirit and Cultural Impact
Beyond technical instruction, Kimball revolutionized the perception of diving by infusing humor and spectacle into the sport. He famously performed belly flops fully clothed from the platform—a stunt that became a beloved tradition at events such as the Big Ten Championships and high‑school state meets. In collaboration with longtime colleague Hobie Billingsley, he launched a “comedy and acrobatic show” that toured internationally, reaching over 1,000 audiences and even making appearances on iconic television programs like The Ed Sullivan Show. This theatrical flair not only elevated fan engagement but also inspired contemporaries, including former Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh, to partake in a belly‑flop performance.
Olympic Involvement and Mentorship of Medalists
Kimball’s influence extended far beyond the collegiate arena. He served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic diving team at five Olympic Games (1964, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992) and also contributed to the coaching staffs for the 1968 and 1996 Games. Among the athletes he mentored were Olympic gold‑medalists Bob Webster, Micki King, Phil Boggs, and Mark Lenzi, as well as numerous other medalists who credited his guidance for their success. His ability to nurture talent across both the men’s and women’s programs cemented his reputation as a coach who could develop world‑class divers at every level.
Awards, Honors, and Hall of Fame Inductions
Kimball’s contributions earned him a distinguished array of accolades. He received the Fred Cady Memorial Award following the 1972, 1976, and 1992 Olympic Games for “sincere dedication in achieving the ultimate in coaching the sport of diving.” In 1986, he became the first diving coach to be honored with the Collegiate and Scholastic Swimming Trophy from the CSCAA. That same year, he was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame and later earned a place in the University of Michigan Hall of Honor (1985) and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (2013). These recognitions reflect a career defined by excellence, innovation, and enduring impact.
End of Career, Legacy, and Tributes
The 2001‑02 season marked Kimball’s 43rd and final year as head diving coach for the men’s program, as well as his 27th overseeing the women’s team, though his involvement persisted even after official retirement. Throughout his twilight years, his legacy remained vibrant; colleagues, former athletes, and university leaders commemorated his life with heartfelt tributes emphasizing his kindness, mentorship, and the indelible mark he left on the sport. When news of his passing spread, tributes highlighted the joy he brought to every practice and competition, affirming that Dick Kimball’s influence will continue to inspire generations of divers to pursue greatness both on and off the board.