Willie Pearson

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameWilliam "Willie"•Pearson
Used nameWillie•Pearson
Born10 December 1916
Died29 February 2004 in Doncaster, England (GBR)
AffiliationsOldham ASC, Oldham (GBR)
NOC Great Britain

Biography

Oldham’s Willie Pearson was a surprise choice for the 400 metres freestyle at the 1936 Olympics. His selection was based primarily to him pushing Norman Wainwright and Bobby Leivers in the 440 yards at the ASA Championships. Pearson finished third and was chosen for the individual 400 metres and 4x200 freestyle relay in Berlin. He did not start in the relay, and was eliminated from his heat in the 400. Leivers was the only one of the three Britons to make it to the final.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1936 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) GBR Willie Pearson
400 metres Freestyle, Men (Olympic) 4 h4 r1/3
4 × 200 metres Freestyle Relay, Men (Olympic) Great Britain DNS