George Hearn was a visionary in the world of aquatic sports. He helped create the Western Counties Swimming Association in 1901 and became its president in 1904. Four years later he became president of the Amateur Swimming Association having served time as their honorary secretary. Also in 1908, during the Olympics, Hearn was responsible for the creation of the International Swimming Federation (FINA), now called World Aquatics. Having representatives of all swimming associations together in London, he called a meeting at the Manchester Hotel on July 19, 1908, and so was formed the new Federation. Hearn was their first president and remained in that post until 1924. He was also secretary from 1924-28.
Hearn, who was a furnishing draper by occupation, refereed one game (Sweden v. Austria) at the 1912 Olympics. He was inducted into International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1986.
Great Britain