“I’m So Sorry”: Swimming World Joins Michael Phelps’ Former Coach Bowman in Mourning the Loss of a Legend at 87

Behind ‘The Flying Fish’ Michael Phelps, there was a village of people responsible for his stellar dominance in the swimming world. One major force behind his 28 Olympic medals was coach, Bob Bowman. From 2005 to 2008, Bowman served as the head coach of the men’s Michigan Wolverines swimming and diving team at the University of Michigan.

However, before him, there was an equally talented coach at the University of Michigan who served from 1982 to 2004. While Bob Bowman acted as Michael Phelps’ father in the swimming pool, this coach was regarded as his grandfather. Sadly, in a heartbreaking development, the swimming world joined Bob Bowman, in mourning the loss of this swimming legend at the age of 87.

Michael Phelps’s coach, Bob Bowman, says farewell to his mentor and friend

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Bob Bowman, former coach of the ‘Baltimore Bullet’ Michael Phelps, shared a farewell message to his longtime mentor, Coach Jon Urbanchek, who passed away at the age of 87 on May 10, 2024. Bowman’s post featured a picture of himself and Urbanchek with the 2012 Olympic swimming pool in the background. The caption read, “I promise we will keep it moving, buddy. 💛💙”

Urbanchek played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Michigan swimming, leading the University of Michigan men’s swimming and diving team from 1982 to 2004. Under his guidance, Michigan won its first Big Ten title in 1986, kicking off the “Decade of Dominance,” during which they secured nine consecutive Big Ten titles from 1986 to 1996.

Throughout his tenure, Urbanchek claimed a total of 13 Big Ten titles and led the team to victory in the 1995 NCAA Championship. Even after Bowman replaced him as head coach, Urbanchek remained in Ann Arbor, actively participating in the team’s training sessions. Describing his role, Urbanchek once said, “I felt like the grandfather. Bob would be screaming at Michael and Michael would be screaming at Bob.“

He continued “I’m in the middle, telling Bob to go to his office and Michael to go to the locker room. Separate for 10 minutes, and maybe we can try this again.” The passing of Coach Jon Urbanchek has left a void in the sporting world, and fans and members of the community shared their heartbreak in the form of words under Coach Bob Bowman’s post.

The swimming world mourns coach Jon Urbanchek’s passing

Countless fans took to the comment section below Bob Bowman’s heartfelt post, bidding farewell to the legend and mentor coach Jon Urbanchek. Hilary Phelps, Michael Phelps’ sister, expressed her condolences, paying tribute to Jon Urbanchek and noting how his character impacted those around him. She said, “I’m so sorry. He was an incredibly warm, kind and incredible human.”

Natalie Coughlin, the twelve-time Olympic medalist, expressed her deep affection and admiration for Jon Urbanchek. She shared, “Love that man so much,” highlighting the fond memories of their time together. Kaitlin Sandeno Hogan, an Olympic gold medalist, world champion, and former world record-holder, expressed her sadness by saying, “Heavy, heavy heart.”

Amy Van Dyken, a six-time Olympic gold medalist and former world record-holder, expressed her grief and acknowledged coach Jon Urbanchek’s significant role in her life and career. She shared, “We will miss you, Coach!!” Mikael Rosén, fondly known as The Rain Man of Swimming, reminisced about Jon Urbanchek, saying, “Always the kindest, funniest, most encouraging. I met him for the last time in Korea in 2019, and he was curious like a kid!”

Many fans were also deeply saddened by the loss of the legend. One fan commented, “My condolences to the family. The legend of Coach Jon Urbanchek will live in swimming infamy. May he rest in peace.” The outpouring of love and grief showed the profound impact and enduring legacy of Coach Jon Urbanchek. This overwhelming display of affection underscores how his influence will be forever woven into the fabric of swimming, ensuring that his legacy endures for generations to come.