Even today, at age 78, Diane McLean Stowell is still swimming. “I swim every other day, no matter what,” she says. “I like to body surf and I like to ski. The big thing is just to be active.”
Her continued swimming has carried her into the Hawaii Swimming Hall of Fame. A two-time All-American while at UCLA, Stowell has won more than 100 national swimming titles and holds more than 50 state swimming records in varying age groups.
Although swimming and tennis were the only girls sports offered during her years at Punahou, Stowell also achieved success in other athletic endeavors. She’s been recognized as one of the state’s top runners and was part of six Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association state championships as a member of the Outrigger Canoe Club.
She is a 2009 recipient of the Punahou Old School Award.