USA Swimming recognizes legends in the sport of open water swimming, Olympian Mark Warkentin and Olympic Head Coach Bill Rose. Mark Warkentin received the 2008 Male Open Water Swimmer of the Year. Mark is the first American in history to qualify for Olympic Team in open water swimming. Mark placed among the Top 10 at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He also earned the 2008 World Championship Silver Medal in the 25K. Coach Bill Rose was honored with the 2008 Glenn S. Hummer Award, recognizing one who has made greatest contribution to long distance swimming. Coach Rose represented the United States as the Inaugural Open Water Swimming Head Coach at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. This is the first time the sport of open water swimming debuted in the Olympic Games.