“So Much Love”: Katie Ledecky, Gretchen Walsh, and Others Soothe Swimming Legend After Jon Urbanchek’s Demise

“Jon Urbanchek changed the way we think about training swimmers in many ways. He made it more objective, scientific and measurable. However, Jon’s greatest contribution was in developing better humans. He embodied patience, humility and love for everyone he met,” Bob Bowman had said about the International Swimming Hall of Fame coach Jon Urbanchek, who passed away at 87.

In a career spanning over two decades, Michigan University’s legendary coach touched innumerable lives with his wisdom and guidance, helping youngsters find their own paths. With a long list of star students and honors, Jon will undoubtedly remain an icon of the sport forever. But, as Bowman pointed out, that is not Jon was all about.

But the humane side of him came to the fore all the more when another legendary swimming coach, Jack Roach, paid his tribute that goes far beyond just swimming. That compelled stars like Gretchen Walsh and Katie Ledecky to hail the bond they harbored apart from professional connection.

In a recent Instagram post, Roach, the former assistant coach at the University of Texas, penned down an emotional message for his late friend Urbanchek. “The sum of Jon’s life is monumental and yet all that Jon has left us, just does not feel the same with the hole left in our lives with his loss,” reads the heartfelt post, as Roach urges swimmers to stand by each other in these troubled times.

“All of us who knew Jon will find ourselves searching our thoughts, our memories, and our experiences for that moment that might help fill the hole left in our lives by Jon’s passing.” said Roach’s post underscoring how the good times still bring a smile to his face. But he isn’t the only one who’s feeling the burden of Urbancheck’s absence from this mortal world.

Swimming stars share their supportive words

After the post went online, the country’s top swimming stars came together with humility to pay their respect. Taking a cue from Jack’s request about lending a shoulder to their comrades to battle Urbanchek’s loss, the 2023 World Championships gold medalist and the University of Virginia star, Gretchen Walsh sent her best along the way of Roach. “So much love for you Jack,” commented Walsh, to stand beside him as he copes with the loss of a dear colleague and friend.

Urbanchek was the head coach for the USA’s national team in five different Olympic Games, and understandably, being his friend, had to be special. The seven-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky commented, “Your friendship with Jon was beautiful to witness up close“, as she called the friendship between the two veteran coaches the best thing.

Swimmer Natalie Coughlin also thinks Jon couldn’t have asked for a better posthumous homage than the words penned by his long-time friend. “The most beautiful tribute,” said Coughlin in the comment section of Roach’s IG post, where he talked about how his late friend always came with a helping hand when the former struggled to maintain his composure.

Witnessing a bond between two icons of a sport is always something significantly deep. Reading the social media post about the former Michigan University coach impacted Olympic medalist Caroline Burckle profoundly as well. “This made me cry. Absolutely beautiful.” said Caroline as she also acknowledged the late Urbancheck being one-of-a-kind to have graced the earth with his presence.

Seven-time World Championships gold winner Katie Hoff also took to social media to share her emotions after learning about Jon’s death. And now, after the post made by the former coach of the Mexican national team, she once again had to take a moment to appreciate his kind words. “Beautifully said Jack” wrote Hoff.

What is your favorite memory of Jon Urbancheck and his illustrious career? Share your thoughts about the legend in the comment section.