Thomas M Hairabedian, Secretary
Inducted into the International Masters Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF) 2007
DOB May 30th, 1924 This 93-year-old currently boasts both National and International Diving titles.
His career began after he was honorably discharged from the Navy after World War II in 1946, and went on to attend USC. He took up diving and went on to win the title of Pacific Coast Conference Champion in 1950. He graduated with his degree in Physical Education that same year and later received a Master’s from Arizona State. Upon graduation, he became the head swimming and diving coach of Central Missouri State University. With more than 32,000 students in his teaching and coaching career, Hairabedian has influenced many students.
Has competed every year but one since the inception of Masters Diving in 1974; He has competed in 50 USA Masters National Championships, winning 39 gold medals in the 1m springboard, 44 gold in the 3m springboard and 28 gold in the platform. He also has attended three FINA Masters World Championships winning five gold, three silver, and one bronze medal. Competing in seven different age groups, he has accumulated over 140 national titles and 16 world titles.
At one point he dove for the medals, now, he dives for the challenge and the fun. Tom Hairabedian is committed to providing a competitive outlet for athletes, passed what is normally considered their prime. He was U.S. Masters National Diving Chairman from 1980-82 and U.S. Grand Masters Champion on six occasions. He believes that Masters Competition is an opportunity to stay or get in shape!
Tom accredits good genes and alkaline living drinking mainly water from his water electrolysis unit and keeps his capillary circulation in top shape even at the age of 93. His goal is to dive past his 100th birthday; it is with good reason his business card and vanity plate call him Dr. Dive
Oxygen for Life is proud to have a WWII hero and sports mentor on the founding board!