Joined OCC: July 16, 1953
Elected to Winged “O”: February 11, 1991
Diane Stowell was the first woman elected to the Winged “O”. Her athletic honors read like a who’s who of local running and swimming competition. She usually won her age group in every event she entered and twice was named the Honolulu Quarterback Club’s Senior Female Athlete of the Year (1988, 1989) and was named one of the Honolulu Advertiser’s Top Ten Athlete’s of the Decade in 1990.
Born in Honolulu on April 27, 1934, Diane joined the Outrigger Canoe Club in 1953, working at a summer job to pay the $60 initiation fee. She was a swimmer at Punahou School (1949-1952) when girls weren’t supposed to participate in any other sports because the coaches were afraid they’d ruin their shoulders.
“I remember borrowing those gigantic old redwood tankers at the old Club and learning to surf. I also used to do a lot of body surfing.” After graduation from Punahou School, Diane went off to California to earn her bachelor’s degree from UCLA, a master’s degree from the University of Redlands and a credential in psychology from California State University at Fullerton. Although she came back to Hawaii each summer, it wasn’t until 1980 when Diane moved back to Hawaii that she started training for swimming competition again.
Swimming is Diane’s first love and also her forte. She holds many national and international age group records, has been a national and international age group champion many times, and holds many Hawaii State Age Group records. She was an All-American swimmer in the masters divisions many times.
Diane competed annually in the Club’s Castle Swim and won the women’s division seven times—in 1981, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1990. She was also the winner of the elite division and first in her age group in the Outrigger Invitational Swim in 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990. Diane finished second overall in the women’s division in the 1986 OCC Triathlon.
Her running success in numerous community competitions won her recognition as Hawaii State Runner of the Year in 1984 and 1986.
But perhaps the achievement she’s most proud of was her six Hawaii Canoe Racing Association championships for senior masters women. She earned the first one in 1985, the year she first learned to paddle, and repeated in 1986-1990. No other crew (with the same individuals in the canoe) in the history of the HCRA has won as many state championships as this crew. Diane was also on many other winning masters crews in regatta and distance races.
In 1990, Outrigger fielded its first masters crew in the Na Wahine O Ke Kai canoe race and Diane was on the winning crew. She was also on the OCC Na Wahine crew in 1991 and 1992.
Diane was one of the most competitive women in sports. It didn’t matter whether it was running, tennis, skiing, swimming or paddling. She wanted to win.
Diane served on the OCC Running Committee in 1983 and 1984 and chaired the committee in 1985. In 1986, she served as chair of the Triathlon Committee. She joined the Public Relations Committee in 1986. In 1987, Diane was elected to the Outrigger Canoe Club Board of Directors and served as Coordinating Director for Public Relations in 1987, Athletics in 1988, House in 1989, Secretary in 1990 and Vice-President for Activities and Coordinating Director for Historical in 1991.
One of Diane’s strong interests was in making it possible for young athletes to compete at higher levels in college and in national competition. To this end, she served on the Board of Directors of the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation and chaired the scholarship committee for many years.
Diane passed away on June 8, 2017.
The Diane Stowell Most Inspirational Swimmer Award was started in 2017 when the Club’s Swimming Committee decided to dedicate the annual OCC Invitational Swim in memory of Diane. The award perpetuates Diane’s ability to inspire others to compete to the best of their ability, regardless of their age or experience. A new perpetual trophy was created for the Outrigger Canoe Club Invitational Swim in Memory of Diane Stowell in 2020. The trophy was donated by Diane’s son, Dean Stowell and his family. The names of the Outrigger Invitational Swim’s Most Inspirational Swimmer are listed on the base.
HONORS
1984 Hawaii State Runner of the Year 50-54 age group
1988 Senior Female Athlete of the Year – Honolulu Quarterback Club
1989 Senior Female Athlete of the Year – Honolulu Quarterback Club
1990 Hawaii State Female Runner of the Year
1990 Top Ten Athlete of the Decade – Honolulu Advertiser
1991 Elected to Winged “O”
2008 Elected to Hawaii Swimming Hall of Fame — Masters Swim
2016 Elected to ODKF Waterman Hall of Fame
2017 Elected to OCC Life Membership
Athletic Accomplishments
RUNNING
1980 HonSport 30/30 1st Age Group
1981 Windward Half Marathon, 1st Age Group
Arizona Memorial Relays (30 miles) 1st Women
1982 HonSport 30/30 Relays 1st Masters
1983 Perimeter Relays (Around Oahu) 1st Masters Women
1984 57 Mile Schofield Relay 1st Masters
1984 Pearl Harbor Bike Path 5 Mile 1st Age Group
1985 Aloha Run, 1st Place Age Group
1985 Champagne & Chocolates, 1st Age Group
1985 Windward Half Marathon 1st Age Group
1985 Women’s 10K 1st Age Group
1986 Windward Half Marathon 1st Age Group
1986 Champagne & Chocolates 1st Age Group
1986 Women’s 10K 1st Age Group
1986 1986 Diet Pepsi 10K, 1st Place Age Group
1986 MPRRC 5K 1st Age Group
1986 Bedland Bosssetti 10K 1st Place Age Group
1986 Diamond Head Run, 1st Place Age Group (record)
1986 Pre Honolulu Marathon Couples Duet, 1st Age Group
1987 Aloha Run, 1st Place Age Group
1987 Pre Honolulu Marathon Couples Duet, 1st Age Group
1988 Champagne & Chocolates (10K) 1st Age Group
1989 Pre- Honolulu Marathon Couples Duet 1st Age Group
BIATHLONS
1981 Magic Island (2.6 mile run, 800 meter swim) 1st Age Group
1982 Magic Island (2.6 mile run, 800 meter swim) 1st Age Group
1983 Magic Island (2.6 mile run, 800 meter swim) 1st Age Group
1985 Magic Island (2.6 mile run, 800 meter swim) 1st Age Group
1985 Queen’s Biathlon (2, .6 miles run, 800 meter swim) 1st Elite Women
1985 Windward Biathlon (800 meter swim, 2.7 mile run) 1st Elite Women
1986 Magic Island (2.6 mile run, 800 meter swim) 1st Age Group
1986 Queen’s Biathlon (2, .6 miles run, 800 meter swim) 1st Elite
1986 Double Biathlon (2 x 1 km swim, 2 mile run) 1st Elite Women
1986 Windward Biathlon (800 meter swim, 2.7 mile run) 1st Elite Women
1987 Windward Biathlon (800 meter swim, 2.7 mile run) 1st Elite Women
1988 Magic Island (2.6 mile run, 800 meter swim) 1st Age Group
1988 Strongman Triathlon (2 km swim, 10 km run) 1st Age Group
1988 Dash & Splash (800 meter swim, 2.8 mile run) 1st Age Group
1988 Queen’s Biathlon (2, .6 miles run, 800 meter swim) 1st Elite Women
1988 Windward Biathlon (800 meter swim, 2.7 mile run) 1st Age Group
1989 Dash & Splash (800 meter swim, 2.8 mile run) 1st Age Group
TRIATHLONS
1981 Outrigger Triathlon (1 mile swim, 10 mile bike, 5 mile run) 1st Age Group
1982 Outrigger Triathlon (1 mile swim, 10 mile bike, 5 mile run) 1st Age Group
1986 Outrigger Triathlon (1 mile swim, 10 mile bike, 5 mile run) 1st Age Group
1986 Outrigger Triathlon (1 mile swim, 10 mile bike, 5 mile run) 2nd overall Women
1986 Tinman Triathlon (800 meter swim, 2.6 mile run) 1st Age Group
1987 Tinman Triathlon (800 meter swim, 2.6 mile run) 1st Age Group
1987 Team Kailua Triathlon (1 km swim, 15 mile bike, 5 mile run) 1st Masters Women
1988 Tinman Triathlon (800 meter swim, 2.6 mile run) 1st Age Group
1989 Strongman Triathlon (2 km swim, 10 km run) 1st Age Group
1990 Strongman Triathlon (2 km swim, 10 km run) 1st Age Group
1990 Tinman Triathlon (800 meter swim, 2.6 mile run) 1st Age Group
SWIMMING
U.S. Masters Swimming Individual All American Honors
1982 200 Fly
1988 Long Distance
1989 50 Free, 100 Free, 100 Breast, 200 Breast, 100 Individual Medley
1990 50 Free, 100 Free, 100 Breast, 200 Individual Medley
1993 100 Free
1995 100 Breast, 200 Individual Medley
1997 100 Free, 800 Free, 200 Breast
1998 400 Free
1999 100 Breast, 200 Breast
2000 100 Free, 200 Free, 400 Free, 800 Free, 100 Breast
2001 1500 Free, 50 Back
2002 100 Free, 200 Free, 500 Free, 1000 Free, 100 Breast, 200 Breast
2003 100 Breast, 200 Breast
2004 100 Breast (Long Course), 100 Breast, 200 Breast (Short Course)
2005 200 Free, 800, Free, 50 Breast, 100 Breast, 200 Breast (Short Course), 100 Free 200 Free, 400 Free, 50 Breast, 100 Breast, 200 Breast (Long Course)
2006 400 Free (Long Course), 50 Breast, 100 Breast, 200 Breast (Short Course)
2007 100 Breast, (Short Course Meters); 200 Free, 50 Breast, 100 Breast, 200 Breast (Long Course Meters); 50 Breast, 100 Breast, 200 Breast (Short Course Yards)
2008 100 Breast, 200 Breast
2010 200 Free, 400 Free, 800 Free
2011 100 Breast
U.S. Masters Swimming National Records
1989 100 Yard Breast (Short Course), W55-59, 1:24.45
1989 200 Yard Breast (Short Course), W55-59, 3:04.49
1999 100 Meter Breast (Long Course), W65-69, 3:15.83
1999 200 Meter Breast (Long Course), W65-69, 3:43.20
2002 200 Yard Breast (Short Course), W65-69, 3:15.83
2004 200 Meter Breast (Long Course), W70-74, 8:46.18
2005 50 Meter Breast (Long Course), W70-74, :46.80
2005 100 Meter Breast (Long Course), W70-74, 1:44.40
2005 200 Meter Breast (Long Course), W70-74, 3:43.02
U.S. Masters Swimming National Championships
2002 100 Yards Free (Short Course), W65-69, 1:11.70
2002 200 Yards Free (Short Course), W65-69, 2:41.86
2002 500 Yards Free (Short Course), W65-69, 7:15.85
2002 1009 Yards Free (Short Course), W65-69, 14:20.43
2002 100 Yard Breast (Short Course), W65-69, 1:30.39
2002 200 Yard Breast (Short Course), W65-69, 3:15.83 (NR)
2003 100-Yard Breast (Short Course), W65-69, 1:31.93
2003 200-Yard Breast (Short Course), W65-69, 3:18.77
2005 100 Meter Free (Long Course), W70-74, 1:24.98
2005 200 Meter Free (Long Course), W70-74, 3:11.39
2005 50 Meter Breast (Long Course), W70-74, :46.80 (NR)
2005 100 Meter Breast (Long Course), W70-74, 1:42.40 (NR)
2005 200 Meter Breast (Long Course), W70-74, 3:50.49
2007 200 Meter Free (Long Course), W70-74, 3:15.42
2007 100 Meter Breast (Long Course), W70-74, 1:49.57
2007 200 Meter Breast (Long Course), W70-74, 4:00.86
2010 100 Meter Free (Long Course), W75-79, 1:36.02
2010 200 Meter Free (Long Course), W75-79, 3:31.21
2010 400 Meter Free (Long Course), W75-79, 7:26.13
2010 800 Meter Free (Long Course), W75-79, 15:31.90
2010 100 Meter Breast (Long Course), W75-79, 2:00.42
2010 200 Meter Breast (Long Course), W75-79, 4:21.02
2011 200 Yard Free (Short Course), W75-79, 3:18.69
2011 500 Yard Free (Short Course), W75-79, 8:54.38
2011 1000 Yard Free (Short Course), W75-79, 17:46.02
2011 100 Yard Breast (Short Course), W75-79, 1:50.00
Nationally Ranked in Events in Top Ten in her age group 432 times
Holder of 94 Hawaii State Age Group Records
Open Ocean Swimming
1987 Auau Channel – Lanai to Maui Solo Swim (12 miles)
OCC Invitational Swim
1983 1st W40-49
1986 1st W50-59
1987 1st W50-59
1988 1st W50-59
1989 1st W50-59
1991 1st W50-59
1992 1st W50-59
1993 1st W50-59
1995 1st W60-69
1996 1st W60-69
1997 1st W60-69
1998 1st W60-69
1999 1st W60-69
2001 1st W60-69
2002 1st W60-69
2004 1st W70-79 (Short Course)
2005 1st W70-79 (Short Course)
2006 1st W70-79 (Short Course)
2007 1st W70-79 (Short Course)
2008 1st W70-79 (Short Course)
2009 1st W70-79 (Short Course)
2009 1st W70-79 (Short Course)
Waikiki Roughwater Swim (2.4 miles)
1981 1st Age Group
1982 1st Age Group
1983 1st Age Group
1985 1st Age Group
Looong Distance Swim (7km)
1981 1st Age Group
1982 1st Age Group
1983 1st Age Group
1984 1st Age Group
1985 1st Age Group
1986 1st Age Group
1987 1st Age Group
1988 1st Age Group
1989 1st Age Group
Maui Channel Swims (9 mile-Relay)
1983 2nd Women’s Open Team
1984 2nd Mixed Team
1985 2nd Makule Team (over 40)
1988 2nd Sr. Makule Team (over 59)
1989 1st Sr. Makule Team
Bay to Lani’s Ocean Swim (2.3 miles)
1987 1st Age Group
Castle Swim (1.7 miles)
1981 1st Woman Overall
1982 1st Woman Overall
1983 1st W45-49
1985 1st W50-54
1986 1st W50-54
1987 1st Woman Overall
1989 1st W55-59
1990 1st W55-59
1991 1st W55-59
1992 1st W55-59
1996 1st W60-64
1998 1st W60-64
2000 1st Women Overall
2001 1st W65-69
2004 1st W70-74
2005 1st W70-74
2006 1st W70-74
2007 1st W70-74
2009 1st W70-74
2010 1st W70+
Kailua Popoi’a Swim (1.7 miles)
1986 1st Age Group
1987 1st Age Group
1988 1st Age Group
1989 1st Age Group
Makapuu Blue Water Classic (1.5 miles)
1985 1st Age Group
1986 1st Age Group
North Shore Challenge (2.5 miles)
1984 1st Age Group
1985 1st Age Group
1987 1st Age Group
1988 1st Age Group
Outrigger Invitational (1.5 miles)
1983 1st Age Group
1985 1st Age Group
1986 1st Age Group
1987 1st Age Group
1988 1st Age Group
1989 1st Age Group
Turkey Swim (2km)
1987 1st Age Group
1987 1st Age Group
1988 1st Age Group
1989 1st Age Group
Hawaii State Swimming Champion
1985 1st Senior Women Masters
1986 1st Senior Women Masters
1987 1st Senior Women Masters
1988 1st Senior Women Masters
1989 1st Senior Women Masters
TENNIS
OCC Club Tennis Championships
1981 Women’s Doubles with Keanuenue Rochlen
CANOE RACING
Na Wahine O Ke Kai
1990 1st Masters
1991 1st Masters
1992 3rd Masters
1993 2nd Masters
Dad Center
1990 1st Masters
1992 1st Masters
Canoe Regatta Wins
1985 King Kamehameha Regatta Senior Masters Women
1985 Waimanalo Regatta Senior Masters Women
1985 Healani Regatta Senior Masters Women
1985 Kaupiko Regatta Senior Masters Women
1985 OHCRA Championship Regatta Senior Masters Women
1985 HCRA Championship Regatta Senior Masters Women
1986 King Kamehameha Regatta Senior Masters Women
1986 Leeward Kai Regatta Senior Masters Women
1986 Waimanalo Regatta Senior Masters Women
1986 Kaupiko Regatta Senior Masters Women
1986 OHCRA Regatta Senior Masters Women
1986 HCRA Regatta
1987 Paiaina Regatta Senior Masters Women
1987 Macfarlane Regatta Senior Masters Women
1987 HCRA Championships Senior Masters Women
1988 Macfarlane Regatta Senior Masters Women
1988 Kaupiko Regatta Senior Masters Women
1988 OHCRA Championship Regatta Senior Masters Women
1988 HCRA Championship Regatta Senior Masters Women
1989 Healani Regatta Senior Masters Women
1989 Waialeale Regatta Senior Masters Women
1989 Macfarlane Regatta Senior Masters Women
1989 Kaupiko Regatta Senior Masters Women
1989 OHCRA Championship Regatta Senior Masters Women
1990 Healani Regatta Senior Masters Women
1990 Waimanalo Regatta Senior Masters Women
1990 Macfarlane Regatta Senior Masters Women
1990 Kaupiko Regatta Senior Masters Women
1990 OHCRA Championship Regatta Senior Masters Women
1990 HCRA Championship Regatta Senior Masters Women
1991 Paiaina Regatta Senior Masters Women
1991 Macfarlane Regatta Senior Masters Women
1991 Kaupiko Regatta Senior Masters Women
1991 HCRA Championship Regatta Senior Masters Women
1992 Paiaina Regatta Senior Masters Women
1992 Macfarlane Regatta Senior Masters Women
1993 HCRA Championship Regatta Senior Masters Women
1994 King Kamehameha Regatta Masters Women
1994 Leeward Kai Regatta Masters Women
1995 Paiaina Regatta Golden Masters Women
1995 Kaupiko Regatta Golden Masters Women
1995 OHCRA Championship Regatta Golden Masters Women
1996 Leeward Kai Regatta Golden Masters Women
1996 Kaupiko Regatta Golden Masters Women
1996 OHCRA Championship Regatta Golden Masters Women
1997 Leeward Kai Regatta Golden Masters Women
1997 Waimanalo Regatta Senior Masters Women
1997 Macfarlane Regatta Golden Masters Women
1997 Kaupiko Regatta Golden Masters Women
1998 Leeward Kai Regatta Masters Women 52
1999 Kaupiko Regatta Masters Women 53
1999 OHCRA Championship Regatta Masters Women 53
1999 HCRA Championship Regatta Golden Masters Women
2000 King Kamehameha Regatta Golden Masters Women
2000 Leeward Kai Regatta Masters Women 54
2000 OHCRA Championship Regatta Masters Women 45
2001 Macfarlane Regatta Masters Women 55
2001 OHCRA Championship Regatta Masters Women 55
2002 King Kamehameha Regatta Masters Women 55
2002 Kaupiko Regatta Masters Women 55
2002 OHCRA Championship Regatta Masters Women 55
Service to the Outrigger Canoe Club
Board of Directors
1987 Coordinating Directors Public Relations Committee
1988 Coordinating Director Athletics
1989 Assistant Secretary, Coordinating Director House Committee
1990 Secretary
1991 Vice President Activities
1992 Vice President Activities
Admissions & Membership Committee
1999 Member
2000 Member
2001 Member
Judges of Election
1995 Member
1999 Member
2000 Member
2001 Member
2002 Member
2006 Member
2008 Member
Nominating Committee
1994 Chair
1997 Member
1999 Member
Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation Board of Directors
1992 Member
1993 Member
1994 Secretary
1995 Secretary
1996 Member
1997 Member
2004 Member
2005 Member
2006 Member
2007 Member
2008 Member
2009 Member
Public Relations Committee
1986 Member
Running & Hiking Committee
1986 Member
1987 Member
Swimming Committee
2007 Member
2008 Member
2009 Member
2010 Member
2011 Member
2012 Member
2013 Member
2014 Member
2015 Member
Triathlon Committee
1986 Co-Chair
1987 Member