George Godfrey

George “Looper” Godfrey was entered in all six men’s individual swimming events of the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm but only competed in the last of them, the 400 metres freestyle. He failed, however, to qualify for the semi-final. Domestically, Godfrey won a total of 14 national championships. In 1909 and 1911-1913 he won the triple of 100, 220, and 500 yards freestyle. He added another 500 yards title in 1910 and his final title, the 100 yards freestyle, in 1914. Godfrey was still competing in the 1920 national championships. He set his first national record in 1908 in the 220 yards free. In 1912 he lowered the records over 100, 220, and 500 yards freestyle and later in the 100 yards backstroke. He was also successful in the popular life-saving events.