HAROLD STANHOPE

1983 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Harold swam for Joe Watmough in the mid 1930’s at the Olneyville Boys’ Club.  As a teenager, Harold won just about every backstroke event he entered in Rhode Island and New England competition.  While attending Lockwood High School, he was the lone entry from his school in the Brown Interscholastic and New England Interscholastic meets, winning the backstroke event in both meets.  He also entered the interscholastic meets at Harvard and Yale, winning the backstroke event in those meets as well.  He won a swimming scholarship to Ohio State University.  In 1939 and 1940 he was the Big Ten Champion in the 150 yard backstroke.  In 1939 he won the 1500 meter freestyle in the National Collegiate meet held at Michigan.  In 1940 he repeated as 1500 meter freestyle champion in the National Collegiate Championships held at Yale.  He set an intercollegiate record in that meet, which held for 6 years.

In 1941 Harold joined the Air Force, where he became a pilot.  After serving nine years in the Air Force, he became affiliated with the International Baking Company in New York.  Harold is retiring this year.