Franz Zigon

Franz Zigon took up swimming in 1932, at the age of eight, and participated in his first swimming competition in 1936, aged 12. His career was interrupted by World War II, where he was injured serving with the infantry. He recovered, captured multiple national championships, and qualified for the 1948 Summer Olympics, but Austria did not end up sending a water polo team that year.

Thus his only appearance at the Games came in 1952, where he represented Austria as a member of its water polo team. After winning a qualifying match against Australia, but losing against Great Britain, the Austrian squad finished at the bottom of its pool in the preliminary round, after tying Great Britain and losing against the United States and eventual bronze medal winner Italy.

Zigon only played in the matches against Great Britain. He continued to compete until 1960, when he retired to spend more time with his family. He could not stay away from the pool for long, however, and soon returned to masters’ level swimming tournaments, which he continued into his 90s. By career, he was a radio and communications technician.