John Derbyshire (swimmer) facts for kids
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Nickname(s) | "Rob" | |||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 28 November 1878 Chorlton-cum-Hardy, England |
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| Died | 25 November 1938 (aged 59) St Pancras, London, England |
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| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Swimming | |||||||||||||||||||
| Strokes | Freestyle, water polo | |||||||||||||||||||
| Club | Osborne Swimming Club | |||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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John Henry "Rob" Derbyshire (born November 29, 1878 – died November 25, 1938) was a fantastic swimmer and water polo player from England. He was born in Chorlton, Lancashire. Rob Derbyshire competed in several Olympic Games, including the 1906 Intercalated Games, 1908 Summer Olympics, and 1912 Summer Olympics. He even might have competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics. Along with his wife, Alice Derbyshire, he helped start important swimming clubs in Hammersmith, London.
Contents
Rob Derbyshire's Olympic Journey
John "Rob" Derbyshire was a talented athlete who represented Great Britain in swimming and water polo. He competed in multiple international events, showing his skill in the water.
Medals and Races
At the 1906 Intercalated Games in Athens, Rob Derbyshire won a bronze medal. He was part of the British team in the 4×250 metre freestyle relay race. He also swam in the 100 metre and 400 metre freestyle events.
Two years later, at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, he achieved a great victory. He won a gold medal as part of the British 4×200 metre freestyle relay team. In the 100 metre freestyle race, he finished second in his heat but did not move on to the next round.
At the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, he competed again in the 100 metre freestyle. He placed third in his heat and did not advance further.
Water Polo at the 1900 Olympics
Some records suggest that Rob Derbyshire won a gold medal in water polo at the 1900 Summer Olympics. However, information from that time shows this might not be correct. It seems he was in England very soon after the games, making it unlikely he was in Paris for the event. A newspaper from August 1900 reported that another player, Thomas Coe, took his place. Both were members of the Osborne Swimming Club.
Starting Swimming Clubs
Rob Derbyshire and his wife, Alice, were very involved in the swimming community. They helped create important swimming clubs that are still active today.
Penguin Swimming Club
In 1921, Rob Derbyshire was one of the people who helped start the Penguin Swimming Club. Five years earlier, in 1916, his wife Alice had founded the Hammersmith Ladies Swimming Club. Later, these two clubs joined together to become the Hammersmith Penguin Swimming Club.
Rob Derbyshire's Lasting Impact
Rob Derbyshire's contributions to swimming are still remembered and celebrated.
Rob Derbyshire Memorial Trophy
In 1950, Alice Derbyshire created a special shield for the club she and Rob had co-founded. This shield was later named the Rob Derbyshire Memorial Trophy. It is given out every year to a person who has done the most good for the club. This award keeps his memory alive and inspires others.
Club Renaming
In 1976, the swimming club that Rob and Alice Derbyshire helped create was given a new name. It became known as the West London Penguin Swimming and Water Polo Club. This name honors their legacy and the sport they loved.
Hall of Fame Honor
In 2005, Rob Derbyshire was honored for his amazing swimming career. He was added to the International Swimming Hall of Fame after his death. This means he is recognized as one of the greatest swimmers of all time.
More About Swimming
- List of members of the International Swimming Hall of Fame
- List of Olympic medalists in swimming (men)
