COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - U.S. Paralympics Swimming mourns the passing of former coach and swimming legend Mike Troy (Chandler, Arizona). Troy first represented Team USA at the Olympic Games Rome 1960 where he won gold medals in the 200-meter butterfly and in the 800 free relay. Troy went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Navy.

Troy led the U.S. Paralympics Swimming program in the early 2000s. He was named as the national team director in February of 2003, and led Team USA at the Paralympic Games Athens 2004. Under Troy's leadership, U.S. swimmers won 35 Paralympic medals, including 16 gold.

"Mike and I were hired at the same time back in 2003, and it was an honor to work with him and be mentored by him," said Julie Dussliere, chief of Paralympic sport. "I will always remember Mike's commitment to our athletes, his kind heart and his passion for teaching people how to swim. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him."

Troy passed away on Saturday, Aug. 4. He was 78.