Richard Thornton, 65, acclaimed swim coach and Olympian, dies surfing near Santa Cruz

by Kathleen Kirkwood, Bay City News January 7, 2024January 5, 2024

The San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Park is the main venue for the San Ramon Valley Aquatics organization, where former Olympian Richard Thornton was a coach for nearly 40 years. Thornton died this week at age 65, according to a post from his brother on social media. (John Cheng/Google)

Richard Thornton, head coach of San Ramon Valley Aquatics since 1984, died in a surfing accident off Santa Cruz, his family said Thursday.

Richard Thornton, a coach at San Ramon Valley Aquatics and a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team, has died at 65. (Courtesy of SRVA)

Thornton, 65, was member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team that boycotted the 1980 summer games in Moscow. He coached Olympic finalists, World Championship finalists, European Championship finalists and NCAA All-Americans.

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