Roy Saari

• Link

Swimmer
Olympics 1964
Gold – Silver Medals

About Roy Saari

Roy Saari: Buffalo’s Golden Champion

Born on February 26, 1945, in Buffalo, NY, Roy Allen Saari was destined to make waves—both literally and figuratively. Raised in a family deeply rooted in aquatic sports, Saari became one of the most celebrated swimmers and water polo players of his time, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire athletes worldwide.

Early Life in Buffalo

Saari’s story began in Buffalo, a city known for its grit and determination. The middle child of Urho and Wanda Saari, Roy’s childhood was shaped by a strong work ethic and an undeniable passion for swimming. Though his family later moved to El Segundo, California, where his father coached swimming and water polo, Roy’s Buffalo roots laid the foundation for his perseverance and drive.

Swimming to Greatness

By the time he was a teenager, Saari was already showing signs of being a prodigious talent. At the age of 14, he claimed his first Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) long-distance swimming title in 1959. This victory was the start of a record-breaking career that would eventually redefine competitive swimming.

Saari’s unconventional kicking style—a scissors kick combined with a glide—set him apart from his peers. While some questioned his technique, it proved not only efficient but revolutionary, inspiring later adaptations in distance swimming.

During his collegiate years at the University of Southern California (USC), Saari became a dominant force. Between 1964 and 1966, he achieved a near-legendary status, earning nine NCAA individual championships—only the second swimmer to do so at the time. His performances helped USC win three consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) titles, cementing his place among the greatest collegiate swimmers.

Breaking Barriers and World Records

Saari’s career wasn’t just marked by wins but also by his ability to push the limits of what was thought possible. At the 1964 U.S. Olympic swimming trials, he became the first swimmer to break the 17-minute barrier in the 1,500-meter freestyle, finishing with a time of 16:58.7. It was a moment that stunned the sports world and reinforced Saari’s status as a pioneer in distance swimming. Over his career, he held four world records, forever etching his name in swimming history.

Olympic Glory

The crowning achievement of Saari’s career came at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Representing the United States, he competed in multiple events, showcasing his versatility and endurance. Saari won gold as part of the 4×200-meter freestyle relay team, which set a new world record time of 7:52.1. Individually, he earned a silver medal in the 400-meter individual medley with a time of 4:47.1.

While he didn’t medal in the 1,500-meter freestyle—finishing seventh due to a cold—his groundbreaking performance at the trials remained a testament to his unparalleled ability. His achievements in Tokyo solidified his reputation as one of the greatest swimmers of his era.

Water Polo and the Saari Legacy

Although his Olympic focus was swimming, Saari was equally talented in water polo, a sport deeply interwoven with his family’s history. His father, Urho Saari, coached the U.S. Olympic water polo team, while Roy’s younger brother, Robert, was a teammate. Despite rules prohibiting athletes from competing in multiple sports at the Olympics, Saari’s dual skills were evident throughout his career.

Beyond Competition

After retiring from athletics, Saari continued to break new ground, earning a law degree from Loyola Marymount University in 1973. He spent several years practicing law in Orange County, reflecting his commitment to excellence in all pursuits. Later, Saari transitioned to real estate development and construction in Mammoth Lakes, California. He served as a planning commissioner for the town for 16 years, all the while remaining an active outdoorsman.

Honors and Legacy

Roy Saari’s contributions to swimming and water polo have been recognized in numerous ways. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1976 and the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame in 1982. These accolades reflect not only his athletic accomplishments but also his broader impact on these sports.

Saari’s innovative techniques and groundbreaking performances inspired future generations of swimmers and raised the profile of American aquatics on the global stage. His achievements continue to be celebrated as a beacon of perseverance, innovation, and excellence.

Remembering a Legend

Roy Saari passed away on December 30, 2008, at the age of 63, but his legacy lives on. From his humble beginnings in Buffalo to his Olympic triumphs, Saari’s life serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through talent, hard work, and a refusal to settle for the ordinary.

Today, the name Roy Saari shines as brightly as the medals he earned, a testament to the indelible mark he left on the world of swimming and water polo. His story will forever inspire not just athletes but anyone striving to make waves of their own.