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van Buuren

John van Buuren

  • Class
  • Induction
    1986
  • Sport(s)
    Swimming
Dr. John van Buuren (front row, far left) was one of the most dominant swimmers of his era. During his four years at SFU, John never lost a race, becoming the first athlete in North America to go undefeated his entire career. From 1973-1976, he won 12 NAIA individual national titles and led the Clan to four consecutive NAIA national team championships.  
 
John won four straight national titles in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard backstroke and he holds the NAIA record for most individual titles in a career. He is a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame. 
 
John won silver and bronze medals for Canada at the 1977 World University Games. 

1975 swim team
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