Jimmy McLane facts for kids
McLane (left) in 1950
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Nickname(s) | "Jimmy" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | September 13, 1930 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Died | December 13, 2020 (aged 90) Ipswich, Massachusetts, U.S. |
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| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Swimming | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strokes | Freestyle | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club | New Haven Swim Club | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| College team | Yale University | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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James Price McLane Jr. (born September 13, 1930 – died December 13, 2020), known as "Jimmy," was an amazing American swimmer. He was a three-time Olympic champion and even held world records! Jimmy is remembered as one of the best swimmers of his time.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jimmy McLane was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He started swimming at a very young age. When he was just 13, he won a big four-mile swim race at the national championships.
He went to Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. There, he set new high school records in several freestyle swimming events. After high school, Jimmy attended Yale University. He was a key swimmer for the Yale Bulldogs swimming and diving team. He helped his team win two national championships. Jimmy graduated from Yale in 1953.
Olympic Achievements
Jimmy McLane represented the United States in two Olympic Games. He showed incredible talent and won multiple medals.
1948 London Olympics
At only 17 years old, Jimmy competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, England. It was his first Olympic Games, and he made a huge splash!
- He won a gold medal in the men's 1500-meter freestyle race. He finished almost 13 seconds faster than the swimmer in second place.
- He also earned a silver medal in the men's 400-meter freestyle. He finished just behind another American swimmer.
- Jimmy won another gold medal as part of the U.S. 4 × 200-meter freestyle relay team. His teammates were Wally Ris, Wally Wolf, and Bill Smith. They set a new world record in this event!
Forming the 1948 Relay Team
Before the Olympics, there were special trials to pick the U.S. team. For the 4x200-meter freestyle relay, some swimmers who had already qualified for other races swam slower on purpose. This allowed more swimmers to have a chance to make the Olympic team. Jimmy McLane was one of the swimmers who swam very fast in the early races but then didn't swim in the final.
To pick the best relay team, the coach held a special time trial. Jimmy McLane had the fastest time in this trial. This helped form the strong team that went on to win gold and set a world record.
1952 Helsinki Olympics
Four years later, Jimmy McLane competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.
- He won another gold medal in the 4 × 200-meter freestyle relay. He swam the final part of the race for the U.S. team. His teammates were Wayne Moore, Bill Woolsey, and Ford Konno. They set a new Olympic record in the final!
- In his individual races, he finished fourth in the 1500-meter freestyle.
- He also placed seventh in the 400-meter freestyle.
Later Career and Legacy
After his Olympic success, Jimmy McLane continued to swim. In 1955, he competed in the 1955 Pan American Games in Mexico City. He had an amazing performance there, winning three more gold medals!
- He won gold in the 400-meter freestyle.
- He won gold in the 1500-meter freestyle.
- He won gold in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay.
Jimmy McLane retired from swimming after these wins. In 1970, his incredible achievements were recognized when he was added to the International Swimming Hall of Fame. This is a special place for the greatest swimmers in history.
Jimmy McLane passed away at his home in Ipswich, Massachusetts, on December 13, 2020. He was 90 years old and had lived in Ipswich for 13 years. His legacy as an Olympic champion and world record-holder continues to inspire young swimmers.
See also
- List of members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame
- List of multiple Olympic gold medalists at a single Games
- List of Olympic medalists in swimming (men)
- List of Yale University people
- World record progression 4 × 200 metres freestyle relay
