Hall of Fame

Johnny Weissmuller is considered the first superstar in the sport of swimming, winning five Olympic gold medals and the bronze medal in water polo across the Olympic Games Paris 1924 and Amsterdam 1928. Born in Freidorf, Romania, Weissmuller and his German parents arrived on Ellis Island when he was 7 months old. He started training at the Illinois Athletic Club in Chicago and set a total of 67 world records during his swimming career. In 1927, Weissmuller and his brother became heros when they came across a capsized steamboat on Lake Michigan and pulled two dozen people from the wreckage. He was given the key to the city of Chicago for his bravery and was later given the keys to New York City as well for his athletic achievements. Weissmuller gained even more fame for his work as a motion-picture actor, when he played the role of Tarzan in 12 films between 1932-48. Weissmuller was chosen to be the first honoree at the 1965 Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He passed away on Jan. 20, 1984 ,in Acapulco, Mexico, and is one of the few non-heads of state to ever be afforded a 21-gun salute at his memorial service.