Fran was a standout swimmer for Germantown Academy and the University of Virginia. More recently, Fran's interests turned to open water swimming, and he was named USA Swimming’s Male Open Water Swimmer of the Year in 2009 and 2010.

Fran set the National Independent Schools record for the 500 Yard Freestyle at Easterns 2002. His meet record still stands. The Fran Crippen Award honors a champion swimmer and a wonderful friend.

To honor Fran’s memory, the Crippen family has established the Fran Crippen Elevation Foundation with the purpose to advocate for safety and aid athletes as they journey to elevate themselves.

Information can found at