George Young (swimmer)

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George Young, circa 1930
George Young, circa 1930

George Young (19106 August 1972) was a Canadian marathon swimmer who on 1516 January 1927 became the first swimmer to swim the channel between Catalina Island and the mainland of California. This took place during a contest called the Wrigley Ocean Marathon, sponsored by chewing gum and sports magnate William Wrigley Jr. Young was the only person to complete the swim, taking 15 hours and 44 minutes to complete the 35 kilometer (22 mile) course.

This feat earned him a prize of $25,000 and the nickname "The Catalina Kid". He was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1955.

[edit] References

Persondata
NAME Young, George
ALTERNATIVE NAMES The Catalina Kid
SHORT DESCRIPTION Canadian swimmer
DATE OF BIRTH 1910
PLACE OF BIRTH
DATE OF DEATH 6 August 1972
PLACE OF DEATH