2003 Best of aquatics judges.

Adolph Kiefer, a member of the Aquatics International Advisory Board, runs Adolph Kiefer and Associates, a Zion, Ill., aquatic supply company founded in 1947. He won an Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1936 Berlin Games, and set 17 world records from 1935 to 1944. During World War II, Kiefer joined the Navy and implemented new safety guidelines and training for more than 13,000 naval swim instructors to teach sailors combat aquatics and how to stay alive in the water.

Craig Stuart, a member of the Aquatics International Advisory Board, is founder and president of Hydro-Fit Inc., an aquatics fitness company in Eugene, Ore., specializing in programs and equipment for water exercise and aquatic therapy. A former aquatics director with more than 25 years' experience in the aquatics industry, he is a certified fitness instructor with the Aquatic Exercise Association and the American Council on Exercise. Stuart is a leader in the water-exercise industry and known as an innovator, specialist, educator and fitness professional.

Jim Wheeler, a member of the Aquatics International Advisory Board, is recreation director for the town of San Anselmo, Calif. He began his career 25 years ago as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Wheeler also is managing partner at Total Aquatic Management, providing aquatic training and safety consulting to agencies throughout the United States. He's served as president of the California Park and Recreation Society and the National Recreation & Park Association's Aquatic Branch, and is involved with safety and planning for U.S. Masters Swimming. And he is a speaker whose topics include lifeguard training/supervision and aquatic management; since 1987, he has spoken at more than 80 local and national schools and conferences.

Judith Leblein is an operations analyst at Water Technology Inc., an aquatic engineering and planning firm, with a background of 20 years' experience in the public sectors of recreation, parks and human services. She has coached both communities and corporations in the marketing and management of family aquatics centers. Known as a speaker and author, Leblein specializes in marketing/promotions, and television and radio production in both the private and public sectors. She is the producer and host of ...