Roy Romain

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRoyston Isaac "Roy"•Romain
Used nameRoy•Romain
Born27 July 1918
Died19 December 2010 in Ashford, England (GBR)
Measurements198 cm
AffiliationsOtter Swimming Club, London (GBR)
NOC Great Britain

Biography

Roy Romain won the 200 metres breaststroke title in record time at the 1947 European Championships in Mont Carlo, a performance that won him that year’s ASA T. M. Yeaden Trophy for the outstanding swim of the year. The following year, Romain was captain of the British swimming team at the London Olympics, and went to the Games having set the fastest time of the year. However, despite reaching the semi-final, he lost out on a place in the final after finishing fifth. Despite the setback, Romain went on to retain his British title in 1948, and win a third one the following year. He also won two medals at the 1950 British Empire Games rhen, Representing England, he won a gold with Jack Hale and Pat Kendall in the 3×110 yards medley relay, and a silver in the 220 yards breaststroke.

As War broke out, Romain was studying law at London University. However, he was conscripted and served mostly in North Africa during the hostilities. After the War, he qualified as a solicitor, and started full-time employment after the Olympics. Romain went into partnership with his brother-in-law, forming Romain, Coleman and Co. He also decided to concentrate on his career, and abandon any plans of competing at the 1952 Olympics.

Romain started swimming in the indoor pool at his boarding school at Westcliffe-on-Sea in his pre-teen years, and continued to swim for more than 80 years. He started swimming competitively at Plaistow in 1938, and before the outbreak of the World War II had represented his county, Essex, and also been selected for Great Britain in an international against Germany at Berlin.

Romain was still to be found in the pool shortly before his death at the age of 92 in 2010. He was winning British Masters titles in his 70s and 80s and at the age of 71 won the British, European and World Masters titles.

Roy Romain was also a keen motor racer, and enjoyed nothing more than racing Jaguars around Brands Hatch. He also had an extensive knowledge of antiques, notably clocks and watches.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1948 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) GBR Roy Romain
200 metres Breaststroke, Men (Olympic) 5 h1 r2/3

Special Notes