Chenaux swam for Rutgers University under Hall of Fame Coach Frank Elm, and was in the class of 1968.[3] Swimming for Rutgers in an opening meet against Columbia in December 1966, Chenaux won the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:27.2, and was on a winning 400 medley relay team.[4] In 1967, showing stroke diversity, he broke the Rutgers school record in the 200-yard Individual Medley with a time of 2:04.8.[5] On February 11, 1967, swimming for Rutgers, he set a pool record of 5:11.3 in the 500 freestyle.[6]
1964 Tokyo Olympics
Though he did not swim in the Olympic finals, Chenaux swam in the preliminary heats of the 1500-meter freestyle, the 200-meter back and breaststroke events, and the 400-meter Individual Medley, a signature event where he had his best finish placing 21st with a 5:11.3, about 10 seconds behind Gold medal finalist Dick Roth of the United States. Elliot's brother Robert competed for Puerto Rico in the 1960 Olympics in the 400-meter freestyle.[2][7][8]
Later education and career
After completing a bachelor's degree in Philosophy and a doctorate in Hispanic Languages and Literature from St. Louis University, Chenaux moved in 1976 to Corpus Christi where he worked as a faculty member at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, beginning as a Spanish professor around 1981. Moving from his initial role as an assistant professor of Spanish in 1981, he advanced to a position as the Dean of Students, and then served as the Vice President for Student Affairs. He retired in 2014.[9]
Staying active in the athletic community, in late June, 1989, Chenaux conducted a seminar in swimming at the Corpus Christi Athletic Club.[10]
