DIANN THOMASON UUSTAL

1985 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Diann started her career at age 7, swimming for “Bud” Latham at the Providence Central Boys’ Club.  From that early age, she consistently won in her age category throughout New England.

While still in high school in 1960, she won the National 200 Individual Medley at Yale University, breaking the existing record.  From 1961 through 1964, Diann won the R.I. Swimmer of the Year Award, and in 1962 she was named “Outstanding Female Swimmer of the Year” by the New England Swim Coaches and Officials Association.  That same year, she was the first female recipient of the “Edward Haire Award” as the outstanding Rhode Island A.A.U. athlete in all sports categories.

In 1964 she placed first in the National Junior Championship in the 100 yard backstroke, and third in the Junior National 100 yard breaststroke.

In 1978 Diann started to compete in Masters competition with great success.  From 1978 through 1982 in the 30 to 35 age category, she has won a number of first place awards in the National Masters Meets, and was placed on the Masters All-American team in 1980, 1981, 1982.  Diann was named on the Masters National Top Ten in all events from 1978 through 1982.