“RIP”: USA Swimming Community Left Devastated by Sad Demise of Important Team Member - EssentiallySports

[mnews]

RIP Dr. Brian Campbell! Dr. Campbell has been one of the backbones of Team USA swimming. Working as a massage therapist and a chiropractor, Dr. Campbell has played a pivotal role in conditioning the US Olympic athletes at the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympic games. Touted as one of the renowned professionals in the field, the veteran therapist has been a regular contributor to UCLA swimming. With over 13 years of service to the UCLA swimmers, Dr. Campbell established himself as an unforgettable name in the industry.

Back in 2007, he was appointed as the head therapist in the World University Games that took place in Bangkok. He also traveled to the Japan International Grand Prix, providing much-needed assistance to the swimmers as they toiled hard in the chlorine-soaked waters. However, his rise to prominence dates way back to 2001. The experienced chiropractor was a staff member at the 2001 Goodwill Games in Australia and also at the Pan Pacific Championships in Japan back in 2002. Continuing with his good work, Dr. Campbell also accompanied Team USA at the 2003 FINA World Swimming Championships. Unfortunately, the swimmers will not be able to get the services and guidance of the veteran chiropractor from now on. As Dr. Brian Campbell has bid adieu to his earthly abode.

A January 13, 2025 update from the official Instagram page of ‘USA Swimming’ delivered the heart-wrenching news of his death. His death comes as a shock to the swimming community as Dr. Campbell was only 68 years old at the time of his demise. Further details about the saddening incident have not yet been made public. “We are saddened to hear about the recent loss of renowned Team USA massage therapist and chiropractor, Brian Campbell,” wrote USA Swimming on Instagram.


ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

They further extended their gratitude for his services and condolences to his family by writing, “He served American swimmers for decades on the pool decks of numerous Olympic Games and World Championships. We send our gratitude to Brian for his years of service to our sport, and our thoughts to the friends, family, and athletes who knew him.” Dr. Brian Campbell received his Doctor of Chiropractic from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic.

However, even before he received his degree, Dr. Campbell had an experience of 11 long years. Working as a master teacher at the Touch Therapy Institute, Dr. Campbell specialized in anatomy/physiology, ethics, sports massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and in-office massage. Naturally, his sudden demise has left the community in deep sorrow.

Swimming community extends its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Brian Campbell​

As soon as the news of the veteran therapist’s demise came to the forefront, swimming fans flocked to the comment section to pay their respects. One emotional fan hearing the news of Dr. Campbell’s sad demise commented, “Rip. ”. Known for his extensive contributions as a chiropractor and massage therapist for Team USA Swimming and UCLA, his sudden passing at 68 shocked the swimming community. Fans mourn his loss, acknowledging his pivotal role in supporting Olympic athletes at events like the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Games.

Reflecting deep admiration for the man who stayed through thick and thin with the athletes another user commented, “That’s so sad to hear! Brian was the best, such a professional and cared deeply for all the athletes he served. ” Such words from the commentator encapsulate the grief, and respect that athletes and fans would continue to nurture in their hearts for the man who left an indelible mark on the sports world. His expertise, spanning over decades, included teaching advanced therapeutic techniques and working closely with elite athletes. In addition to working with the swimming and diving teams, he also worked with the UCLA gymnastics, men’s basketball, golf, and tennis teams.


ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

via Getty

OMAHA, NE – JUNE 27: Swimmers warm-up prior to Day Two of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Swimming Trials at CenturyLink Center on June 27, 2016 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)


Dr. Campbell’s commitment to athlete well-being made him a beloved figure in the swimming community, which now mourns his loss. Sharing a personal anecdote, an athlete stated, “He gave me my first massage at my first big boy meet. I was terrified, I had no idea what to ask for, but he just did his thing and I won a bronze.” The heartfelt anecdote from the swimmer who knew him personally for so long truly underscores the personal impact he had on those he worked with and supported. The words of the fans prove how his ability to provide tailored care eased the athlete’s nerves during his first significant meet, contributing to his success in winning a bronze medal. Dr. Campbell himself also directed the Institute’s sports massage team.

The late Dr. Brian Campbell truly earned profound respect and admiration from the sports community for his expertise and dedication. Expressing heartfelt sentiment for the immense loss felt by a fan who experienced his care and professionalism firsthand stated, “Brian was the absolute best my heart ”. He significantly contributed to Team USA Swimming at multiple events, enhancing athletes’ performance. Another Instagram user echoed a similar feeling as they commented, “His integral role with UCLA sports teams and USA Swimming made him a cherished figure in the community.” He was also a valued part of the USA Swimming Sports Medicine Council.


ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Thus, having been a backbone for the USA Swimming team, Dr. Brian Campbell’s expert services will be deeply missed. EssentiallySports extends its sincere condolences to the grieving family and prays for Dr. Brian Campbell’s soul to Rest In Peace.