Bob Skelton (swimmer)

Robert Danforth Skelton (June 25, 1903 – June 25, 1977) was an American competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and former world record-holder.[1]

Bob Skelton
Ralph Breyer, Bob Skelton, Johnny Weissmuller, c. 1925
Personal information
Full nameRobert Danforth Skelton
National teamUnited States
Born(1903-06-25)June 25, 1903
Wilmette, Illinois
DiedJune 25, 1977(1977-06-25) (aged 74)
Houston, Texas
Sport
SportSwimming
StrokesBreaststroke
ClubIllinois Athletic Club
College teamNorthwestern University
Medal record
Men's swimming
Representing the United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1924 Paris 200 m breaststroke

Biography

Skelton was born in Wilmette, Illinois. He attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he swam for the Northwestern Wildcats swimming and diving team in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competition.

Skelton competed at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he won a gold medal in the men's 200-meter breaststroke event. Skelton finished in 2:56.6, decisively defeating Belgian swimmer Joseph De Combe (2:59.2), and fellow American Bill Kirschbaum (3:01.0). He was the first American to set a world record for the 200-meter breaststroke.

Skelton died in Houston, Texas in 1977; he was 74 years old.

See also

References
  1. "Bob Skelton". Olympedia. Retrieved November 15, 2021.

Sources


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