Gérard Blitz (sportsman)

Gérard Blitz (August 1, 1901 – March 8, 1979) was a Jewish Belgian Olympic swimmer and waterpolo player during 1920s. Born in Amsterdam, he was the younger brother of Maurice Blitz, also a waterpolo player, and uncle of Gérard Blitz who founded Club Med in 1950.

In 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp Blitz won medals in both swimming and water polo. He was third in the 100 m backstroke, and was a member of the Belgian team who won silver in the water polo tournament. His brother Maurice was also a member of that team.

On 16 September 1921 he set a new world record for 400 m backstroke at 5:59.2, that lasted until 1927.

At 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris the Blitz brothers were still part of the Belgian water polo squad, that won another silver medal.

Twelve years later at the Berlin Games he won the bronze with the Belgium team. He played all seven matches.

In 1990 Blitz was inducted in the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He died in 1979 in Ganshoren.

External links

* [http://www.ishof.org/honorees/90/90gblitz.html ISHOF profile]
* [http://www.databaseolympics.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=BLITZG%C9R01 dataOlympics profile]