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Father of Organized Swimming

Jul 1, 1998

George Hearn is regarded as the father of organized world swimming. He was president of the A.S.A. in 1908 when he called a meeting of nations taking part in the London Olympics to discuss their mutual problems. At the meeting which took place in the Manchester Hotel, it was decided to found the International Amateur Swimming Federation (F.I.N.A.).

Hearn who had been honourable secretary of the A.S.A. from 1903-07, became the first secretary-treasurer of the new world organization and held those offices until 1928. He was then made a life honorary president.