Ray Cann

Yorkshire-born Ray Cann moved to Lancashire and lived in Blackpool. He started diving at the age of eight and joined Blackpool Swimming Club. In 1953, he became the first person from the town to win a national diving title when he won the Junior title in his hometown. Although he did have podium finishes in the senior championships, Cann never won a title because in the 1950s and early 60s British men’s diving was dominated by David Tarsey, Peter Squires, and Brian Phelps.

With the possibility of gaining Olympic selection in 1956, apprentice painter and decorator Cann moved to London to work and get specialist training with the successful Highgate Diving Club in 1955. He finished third in the platform competition at the following year’s ASA Championships and then did gain Olympic selection. Unfortunately, Cann was classified a lowly 21st in both the platform and springboard event.

The highlight of Cann’s career came at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games when he won the bronze medal in the Highboard event behind Scotland’s Peter Heatly, and Phelps.