WINTHROP B. WILSON

1985 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Win first came into prominence as a swimmer while competing for Brown University in the late 1940’s.  He held the school records in the 220, 440, and 1500.

In 1950 he has was voted the “Most Valuable” team member.  In A.A.U. competition, Win was a consistent winner in the New England area.  After his college swimming career, Win entered a number of long distance races, including the Block Island Race, and a long distance race at the Canadian Exposition..

His greatest success has been as a Masters swimmer since 1974.  He won his first Masters national championship in 1977 in the 100 freestyle, (50-55 age group).

This started Win on a winning streak of 17 national championship titles.  Since 1977 he has continued to make the Masters All-American Team , criteria being that a swimmer must be in the top ten in the country in an event.  In the 50-55 age category he set three national records.

Moving into the 55-59 age group, Win has dominated about every event, placing first in 22 of a possible 24 events.  Included in his 22 victories are 7 national records.

In the newly formed one hour swim for distance, Win established a record in completing 4545 yards in the one hour limit.

Win was honored by “SWIM SWIM” magazine in 1982 and 1983 as the top all-around-swimmer in his age group nationally.

In 1980 Win was inducted into the Brown University Athletic Hall of Fame.