PDR Swimming for Success (PDR) was started in 1971 by Hall of Fame coach Jim Ellis to provide access to the sport of swimming for young African Americans in Philadelphia.  Over the last 50 years, the team has grown in size and diversity, and aims to represent the City of Philadelphia at the highest levels of competitive swimming. 

In his illustrious career, Jim has developed hundreds of collegiate swimmers, National and Olympic Trials qualifiers.  PDR and Jim’s success has been recognized in the New York Times (April 1990), the movie Pride (2007), and most recently by USA Swimming at the 2021 Olympic Trials.