Robert John Herman Kiphuth (November 17, 1890 – January 7, 1967) was an American swimming coach and college athletics administrator.

During his tenure with the Yale Bulldogs swimming and diving team, he amassed a record of 520 wins to only 12 losses, along with four NCAA titles (1942, 1944, 1951, 1953),[1] earning him a reputation as the winningest coach in history.

Championing an enlightened approach to training his swimmers, he led his Yale teams to four NCAA Championships in 1942, 1944, 1951, and 1953.

His books and articles greatly benefitted the swimming community and his accomplishments convinced his competitors of the soundness of his approach.

[2] As noted, Kiphuth also served as the head coach for multiple U.S. Olympic swimming teams (both men and women, depending on the year).

[2] He was a founder of the Council for National Cooperation in Aquatics, served as a Vice President of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, directed the Boys Clubs of America, and served with the National Art Museum of Sports, and the President’s Fitness Council.