Don Leas, Diving Expert and Author of Pool Construction Specifications

Don Leas, Diving Expert and Author of Pool Construction Specifications

Donald LEAS (USA) - FISU Technical Chairman for Diving

Don Leas is to diving what Noodles are to Chicken soup. Since starting high school diving in 1953, he has been inseparable to the sport ever since. He competed for Michigan State in NCAA competition in both diving and gymnastics (Big 10 Champion on Flying Rings). Most of his diving coaching years were at Clarion University of Pennsylvania (1966 –1990) developing 36 National Champions. But his contribution to the sport goes far beyond his athleticism and coaching. For United States Diving, Inc., he has been the Chairman for almost every committee including rules, certification, safety and membership. He has been the technical and administrative liaison to numerous organizations and events including the FINA World Trials, Goodwill Games, FINA World Cup, U.S. Olympic Festival, NCAA, AAU, and the USOC. He has been an advisor and referee to over 10 international events. He has been author or editor to over 12 book publications on diving and diving rules and has produced four motion pictures on diving for the Athlete Institute. At the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, he served as the diving coordinator.

Don Leas '57 was the recipient of the Duraflex International Diving Award, which is presented  to recognize outstanding international contributions to the sport of diving. Don received the award at the International Swimming Hall of Fame awards ceremonies held in Ft. Lauderdale on May 6th and 7th.

He writes, "This award is a very prestigious award having been presented only four times. The first was presented to the Chinese Diving Federation. The second to the Mexican Diving Federation. The third to a very distinguished international person from Canada. I was awestruck when the announcement was made to me, knowing who the previous recipients were. I have been the international chairman of diving for the World University Games since 1981 and have been in charge of international diving meets in over 15 different countries as well as more than 30 international events in the United States. I was a diver and gymnast for MSU from 1953 to 1957."

The award reads:

Don Leas has been a cornerstone for International Diving for more than thirty years. He has served as Chairman of the FISU Technical Diving Committee since 1981 and responsible for the growth and development of the World University Games. He has been the Competition Director for the top diving events in the world, including the 1996 Olympic Games, FINA World Cup, countless FINA Grand Prix events held in Fort Lauderdale and as a consultant to many more international events worldwide. His knowledge of diving rules has been vital to the publication of many rulebooks, including the current FINA Handbook. He is the go-to guy for all questions of diving administration, pool design and safety. In addition, Don has served on countless committees and he is responsible for numerous books and films on the sport. Don is a unique contributor and has devoted a lifetime of service to advancing and improving the sport he loves.

Duraflex is proud to acknowledge his many contributions and to honor him with this award.

DATE of BIRTH 23 October 1934 MARITAL STATUS Married EDUCATION/UNIVERSITY DEGREE Bachelor of Science, Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Michigan State University Master of Science, Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Southern Illinois University LANGUAGES English CAREER Chairman of Department of Health and Physical Education, Diving Coach, Bowling Coach, Clarion University of Pennsylvania; Swimming Coach, St Cloud University, Minnesota; Diving Coach and Assistant Gymnastics Coach, University of Illinois; Diving Coach and Assistant Gymnastics Coach, Southern Illinois University; Swimming Coach and Cross Country Coach, East Aurora High School, Illinois SPORTS PRACTISED Diving, Swimming, Gymnastics, Trampoline, Athletics, Cross Country, Bowling, Canoeing SPORTS CAREER National Championships in Diving, Gymnastics, Trampoline, Canoeing, Athletics 10,000 Meters SPORTS ADMINISTRATION National Chairman of Diving – US; National Chairman of Women’s Collegiate Swimming – US; National Chairman of Public Swimming Pool Standards Committee – US; Director of Diving – Atlanta Olympics; Coach of US Diving Team – Sophia Universiade; Diving Judge – Bucharest Universiade FUNCTION within FISU Technical Chairman of Diving since 1981

To Contact Don Leas:  [email protected]