Leo Portelance

Leo Portelance began his swimming career with the Ocean Falls Amateur Swimming Club of British Columbia, Canada. At the 1950 British Empire Games he finished fourth in the 4×220 yards freestyle relay (with Allen Gilchrist, Peter Salmon, and Leo’s non-Olympian brother Jim) and was eliminated in the heats of the 440 and 1650 yards freestyle events. After this tournament he and Lucien Beaumont took a trip around the world on a tramp steamer prior to entering The Ohio State University. While there Portelance teamed up with Gilchrist once more, as well as Beaumont and Gerry McNamee, at the 1952 Summer Olympics for the 4x200m relay, but the Canadians were eliminated in the opening round. He also competed in the 200m breaststroke event, but did not reach the finals.

He was named an All-American swimmer at The Ohio State University in 1952 and 1953. Brother Jim would later win a silver medal at the 1954 British Empire Games, but Leo would not survive to celebrate with him – he drowned off the coast of Powell River, British Columbia in September 1952 while boating alone. He was also an accomplished pianist and won many competitions during his lifetime.