A three-time All-American in the mile as a Sun Devil, Paul Asmuth continued to flourish in swimming even after his successful career at Arizona State. Known as "the Legend" in the world of competitive marathon swimming, Asmuth graduated with his BS in accounting in Tempe before heading off into a professional swimming career.
Asmuth notched seven World Professional Marathon Federation titles, eight Atlantic City Around the Island Swim events and six La Traversee du Lac Memphremagog championship records among other victories. While continuing to work as a Certified Public Accountant, Asmuth added several accolades including being named Athlete of the Decade by The Press of Atlantic City in 1990 and inductions into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 1982 and International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2010.
For the past 18 years, the Sun Devil for Life has served as the general manager of the Napa Valley Reserve, a private club in the heart of the Napa Valley. Since retiring from the sport, Asmuth has pursued passions in Wildlife Management, including taking part in an experiment to create a carbon sequestration forest with Coast Redwood trees in Saint Helena, Calif.
Available now, Asmuth has published a book about his swimming journey titled Marathon Swimming: the Sport of the Soul where he recalls his journey along with the people who helped him to get there. Check out a Q&A with the Sun Devil for Life below:
How did you end up swimming at Arizona State?
ASU offered a great major in my interest, Wildlife Management, a world-renowned distance freestyle coach Ron Johnson and beautiful weather for year-round outdoor training.
What are some things you miss the most about college swimming?
Training, competing, and socializing with my teammates.
What is your favorite memory from your time as a Sun Devil?
The swim team did a lot of hikes to the top of Camelback Mountain, camping in the Superstition Mountains, and a one-day challenging hike to the top of Flat Iron Mountain and back.
How often do you make it back to Tempe?
We usually visit annually to see friends in the area or attend events.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the program?
Bob Bowman has dramatically turned the swimming program around in a very short period of time. The alumni are very proud of the team's accomplishments thus far and excited for their future.
What motivated you to write Marathon Swimming: The Sport of the Soul?
Writing a book to share with my wife and children had been on my mind for many years. Taking the time to document and share some of my life's special moments felt important. These experiences include some of my marathon swimming races, inspirations from the coaches that helped me along the way like Ron Johnson, the honor of coaching and advising the USA Swimming Open Water National Team in two Olympics and multiple World Championships, and how God loved me and provided guidance along the way even when I felt very alone during some tough times of my journey.
Outside of writing, are you pursuing any other passions since retiring from professional swimming?
Beginning in 2012, I began an experiment to create a carbon sequestration forest with Coast Redwood trees in Saint Helena, CA. The seedlings were planted and then irrigated with secondary treated effluent from a nearby Wastewater Treatment Plant. There have many challenges and lessons learned along the way. Today, there are about 475 trees growing with some approaching 30 feet tall.
Anything else you'd like to mention?
Everyone's story is important and meaningful. Taking the time to write in gratitude about the people who have helped us along the way can be a lifelong treasure to them as well as to ourselves. You never know who may be inspired by you.