Background
Russell was born in New York City, but raised in Midland, Texas.
Russell was born in New York City, but raised in Midland, Texas.
University of Texas at Arlington.
He began swimming in high school for Midland High School, swimming in the new 50-meter "Alamo" pool built by the city in 1962. lieutenant was later renamed in his honor: the "Douglas Russell Swimming Pool." He was an all-around swimmer in high school—swimming competitively in butterfly, backstroke, and individual medley events. Other school swimmers of the era remember him as a tough competitor who was hard to beat but who brought out the best in swimmers around him.
He attended the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where he swam for coach Don Easterling"s Arlington Mavericks swimming and diving team in National Collegiate Athletic Association (National Collegiate Athletic Association) competition.
Doug Russell Park, on the southern border of the UTA campus, was later named in his honor. Russell, together with relay teammates Charlie Hickcox (backstroke), Don McKenzie (breaststroke), and Ken Walsh (freestyle), set a new world record of 3:54.9 in the event final.
Russell was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an "Honor Swimmer" in 1985. He remains involved in swimming as the head coach of the Austin Trinity Aquatic Club.