Charles Smith

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Other
SexMale
Full nameCharles Sydney•Smith
Used nameCharles•Smith
Born26 January 1879 in Worsley Mesnes, Pemberton, England (GBR)
Died6 April 1951 in Southport, England (GBR)
Measurements186 cm / 105 kg
AffiliationsSalford SC, Salford (GBR) / Southport SC, Southport (GBR)
NOC Great Britain
Medals OG
Gold 3
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 3

Biography

Charles Smith of Salford SC captained the winning British water polo team at the 1908 Olympics and after joining Southport SC he won two more gold medals in 1912 and 1920. At the time of winning his third gold in Antwerp in 1920, Smith was 41 years and 270 days old and is the oldest water polo gold medallist in Olympic history. He made a fourth Olympic appearance in 1924 at the age of 45, was England’s goal-keeper for 25 years from 1902 to 1926, and in recognition of his talents he was inducted into the Swimming Hall of Fame in Florida.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1908 Summer Olympics Water Polo (Aquatics) GBR Charles Smith
Water Polo, Men (Olympic) Great Britain 1 Gold
1912 Summer Olympics Water Polo (Aquatics) GBR Charles Smith
Water Polo, Men (Olympic) Great Britain 1 Gold
1920 Summer Olympics Water Polo (Aquatics) GBR Charles Smith
Water Polo, Men (Olympic) Great Britain 1 Gold
1924 Summer Olympics Water Polo (Aquatics) GBR Charles Smith
Water Polo, Men (Olympic) Great Britain =10

Other participations

Games Role NOC As
1912 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony GBR Charles Smith