Johnny Weissmuller

SwimmerPioneer EraUSA

First man under 60 seconds in the 100 m freestyle, later a film star as Tarzan

Overview

Weissmuller broke the one minute barrier with 58.6 in 1922 and won five Olympic golds across Paris 1924 and Amsterdam 1928, remaining unbeaten in amateur competition. After swimming he starred as Tarzan in twelve films, making him one of the most famous athletes turned actors. He set world records in freestyle events from 100 yards to half a mile.

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