Doug Russell, a 22 year-old UTA Senior, swam on the school’s Swimming and Diving Team. He competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where he won two gold medals for winning the Men’s 100-meter butterfly, and later, as part of Team USA’s 4×100-meter relay win. Reflecting on his solo victory, he stated, “I was swimming for the United States tonight.”
Upon his return, about 500 UTA students gathered at Dallas Love Field Airport to greet the Olympian, hoisting him onto their shoulders in celebration.
Photo from program for “Doug Russell Day” ceremonies at UTA
Photo Credit: UTA
On November 15, 1968, as part of UTA’s Homecoming festivities, UTA President Frank Harrison and Arlington Mayor Tom Vandergriff proclaimed it “Doug Russell Day” to honor his achievements. Vandergriff praised the young man for bringing recognition to UTA and Arlington, while UTA Swim Coach Don Easterling admired him “as one of the nation’s greatest athletes.”
Russell is the namesake for Doug Russell Park near UTA, and a public pool is named for him in Midland, where he grew up and attended high school.
Doug Russell wins the Gold Medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – October 22, 1968
Newspapers.com
A champion is hoisted
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – October 29, 1968
Newspapers.com
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 11-15-25
Jason S. Sullivan 