1939: Swimming

In swimming more new records were established by Americans than in any other amateur sport during 1939. There are now on file 46 applications for new records, including 8 world's records. The stellar performances of Richard H. Hough, of Princeton University, are worthy of first consideration, for he clipped the world breast-stroke records for 100 yards to 1 min. 00.6 sec.; 100 meters to 1 min. 7.3 sec.; and 220 yards to 2 min. 22 sec.

Ralph Flanagan, who has been lowering many records made by the late Ray Ruddy (he died in 1939) and others, is continuing to make faster times. Flanagan reduced the world time for 500 meters free style to 5 min. 56.5 sec. Adolph Kiefer, of Chicago, did the 100-yard backstroke in 58.8 sec. And the New York Athletic Club team, consisting of Thomas McDermott, James Reilly, Peter Fick and Walter Spance, set up new world figures for the 400-yard relay, in 3 min. 31.3 sec.

A new American record of note is the 300-yard medley relay (100-yard free style, 100-yard breast stroke, and 100-yard back stroke) in 2 min. 51.9 sec., achieved by the Princeton University trio of Albert Vande Weghe, Richard H. Hough and Hendrick Van Oss. Michigan again led in the Varsity field, winning the National Collegiate A.A. swimming championship from Ohio State and the Western Conference title. Yale, defeating Princeton, led the Eastern Intercollegiate League Championship.

An upset in aquatics was the first team victory ever gained by an Hawaiian organization in the national A.A.U. championships, when the A.H.C.A. squad of Maui won the crown. Of its swimmers, Kiyoshi Nakama won both the 220- and 440-yard free style titles, the 880-yard relay title and many second and third places. Flanagan, the only other double winner, accounted for both 880-yard and 1-mile free style.

The outstanding girl swimmer of the year was Miss Nancy Merki, age 13, who set new American records for 200, 400 and 800 meters.