U.S. Olympian and two-time All-American swimmer Richard Thornton has died after collapsing on a California beach Thursday, police said. his family.
He was 65 years old.
An avid surfer, he was meeting friends at The Hook, a popular surfing spot in Santa Cruz, said his brother Mark Thornton. ABC7.
“He followed his buddy down the stairs,” Mark Thornton added.
“His buddy jumped into the water and looked up at Richard and he was just standing there peacefully, not grabbing his heart or anything. And then he just fell into the water.”
Thornton's daughter Kira slammed reports that the swimmer died in a surfing accident, saying the cause of death was unknown.
Thornton had been battling multiple myeloma, his family told the magazine.
Mark Thornton revealed on Facebook that his brother died 'doing what he loved' post.
“He may end up in hospital for six months with an oxygen tube and he may lose weight,” Mark told the outlet. “What a great way for someone who loves the beach and being in the water.”
Thornton, then 21 years old, qualified and was selected as a member of the United States men's Olympic swimming team in 1980.
However, Thornton chose not to participate and boycotted the Moscow Summer Olympics in protest. 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
He then graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in physical education.
Thornton specialized in the 100, 200 butterfly and 200 freestyle. according to To my former alma mater.
University of California, Berkeley Athletics Department: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of California swimming great Richard Thornton.'' Posted “Our thoughts are with Richard's family, friends, and everyone he impacted in the California community.”
Thornton has been the head coach of the San Ramon Valley Swim Team since 1984.
Thornton also coached the U.S. National Team and Junior National Team in Paris, Japan, and Brazil.
He was nominated six consecutive years from 1994 to 2000 and was named Pacific Swimming Coach of the Year once.
During his coaching career, Thornton coached several future Olympians, including Matt Biondi, who won eight gold medals at the 1984, '88 and '92 Olympics, according to the University of California.
Rob Warner, a childhood friend of Thornton, said Thornton could be found in the water whenever he wasn't training.
“I remember him telling me between games, after games, or after the season was over, let's go surfing,” Rob Warner told ABC 7.
“After he won, I yelled from the stands, 'Richard, what are you going to do now?'” And he looks like this in his surfing stance. He wanted to go surfing. That was his, dude. ”
