In 1991, Rick Swenson set out from White Mountain to Nome into a snowstorm so severe that other veteran mushers turned back.

''There were times when you couldn't even see the ground,'' he said later.

But he persevered and pressed on to claim his fifth victory.

When asked why he kept going through the blizzard, Swenson answered: ''Desperation, I guess. I wanted to win the Iditarod.''

Rick Swenson always wanted to win the Iditarod.

In its first 25 years, the Iditarod never saw a more tenacious competitor. He paid attention to every detail of dog racing, but what set him apart washis steely determination.

''He was as smart as anyone on the trail and mentally tougher,'' wrote nominating committee member John Larson. ''He won because he willed it.''

The result was an unequaled record, one that has secured Swenson's place at the top of the list of Iditarod champions.

Swenson won the race five times, more than any other musher. He missed a sixth victory, in 1978, by a single second. He finished among the topfive mushers 15 times. Swenson's worst finish in 20 years of racing was 10th. Between 1976 and 1995, his average finish was 4th.

''He set the racing standard for almost two decades,'' wrote Hall of Fame nominating committee member Tim Jones. ''He also deserves credit forthe improvements in dog care and equipment that he's made over the years.''

Members of the public who sent in nominations agreed.

''He is the most deserving musher,'' wrote George Carnahan.

''Thank you, Rick, for all the great examples you have set over the years of dog mushing and of dog caring,'' Barbara Romine wrote in her letternominating Swenson. ''You deserve to be inducted into the Iditarod Hall of Fame.''