Charlie Baillie

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameCharles William Kennett "Charlie"•Baillie
Used nameCharlie•Baillie
Nick/petnamesThe Flying Scotsman
Born4 September 1902 in Edinburgh, Scotland (GBR)
Died5 October 1987 in Edinburgh, Scotland (GBR)
AffiliationsGrove Swimming Club, Edinburgh (GBR)
NOC Great Britain

Biography

The son of an Edinburgh baths attendant, Charlie Baillie started swimming at an early age and, in 1921, at the age of 18, he won the Scottish national 50 and 100 yards titles. He won the two titles every year from 1921-27. An Edinburgh policeman, Baillie won just one ASA title, the 100 yards freestyle in 1927. He also finished second in the 100 in 1922, and third in 1928, and 1930-31. In addition he finished third in the 200 free in 1928.

Baillie originally swam for the Edinburgh Grove Club before joining the Oldham police force in 1926 when he became a member of their swimming club. He competed in one Olympics, in 1924, but came close to gaining selection four years earlier when, as a 17-year-old, he came second in his heat in the Olympic trial at Southport. In 1935 he played for Lancashire in the final of the English County Water Polo Championship, but they were beaten 5-0 by Essex. The following year, Baillie played for Oldham Police in their first ever appearance in the final of the English Club Water Polo Championship, but lost 4-0 to holders Plaistow United. Baillie carried on swimming and playing water polo beyond the age of 40.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1924 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) GBR Charlie Baillie
100 metres Freestyle, Men (Olympic) 4 h1 r1/3