Bert Haresnape

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameHerbert Nickall "Bert"•Haresnape
Used nameBert•Haresnape
Born2 July 1880 in Liverpool, England (GBR)
Died17 December 1962 in Birkenhead, England (GBR)
AffiliationsLiverpool Swimming Club, Liverpool (GBR)
NOC Great Britain
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 1

Biography

Bert Haresnape made Olympic history in 1908 as the first Briton to win a backstroke medal and, going into the 2020 Games, remained the only British male to win a medal in this discipline. One of many fine swimmers from Merseyside in the early part of the 20th century, Haresnape qualified for the London Olympics after impressive performances in the trials at Bolton and Shepherd’s Bush, in which he finished first and third respectively in the 100 metres. He went on to win the 100 back bronze medal at the Games. A second Olympic medal seemed a possibility in 1912, but he just missed out on qualifying for the final by six-tenths of a second. Haresnape was also a good water polo player, and was captain of the Liverpool South Club that won the Merseyside and District Championship on many occasions.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1908 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) GBR Bert Haresnape
100 metres Backstroke, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
1912 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) GBR Bert Haresnape
100 metres Backstroke, Men (Olympic) 3 h2 r2/3