Norman Wainwright

Norman Wainwright started swimming at the age of 3½, thanks largely to his father being the manager of the local swimming baths in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. Norman went on to become the leading British freestyle swimmer in the decade leading up to the outbreak of World War II. He set no fewer than 50 Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and British native records. He also captured 21 ASA titles, winning the 880 yards and mile titles in 1933-35, 1937 and 1939, the 220 and 440 titles five years in succession, 1935-39. His one other title was the 500 yards in 1934, the last time this distance was contested.

Wainwright competed in three Olympic Games, 1932, 1936 and 1948, despite originally asking the ASA not to consider him for the latter, due to business commitments. Although he did not win an Olympic medal, he enjoyed success internationally. In 1934 he won his only major gold medal, in the 4 x 200 yards freestyle relay at the British Empire Games in London, when he also won silver in the individual 440 and bronze in the 1500 yards. That same year, Wainwright won a bronze medal in the 1500 metres at the European Championships, the week after the Empire Games. He collected three more bronze medals in 1938, in the 1650 yards freestyle at the Empire Games, and individual 400 metres free and 4 x 200 free relay at the Europeans. The War years interrupted Wainwright’s career and he saw active service in Iraq. He resumed his career after the hostilities but, being in his mid-30s, did not add to his collection of ASA titles. However, he finished second in the 220 in 1948 and was honoured with the captaincy of the British team at the Olympics.

Wainwright represented England in eight international matches between 1933-39, and in 1934 was appointed captain for the triangular match with Wales and Scotland, at the age of 20. He retired from competitive swimming in the early 1950s, as he was approaching the age of 40, but he continued to support his sport by serving the Staffordshire and Northern Counties ASA for more than 25 years, until his retirement in 1981.