Gérard Blitz

Gérard Blitz was a Belgian swimmer and water polo player, born on 1 August 1901 and died on 8 March 1979, who competed at the Olympic Games of 1920, 1924, 1928 and 1936. He was the younger brother of the water polo player Maurice Blitz and the uncle of another Gérard Blitz, who founded Club Med in 1950. At the 1920 Games he won a bronze medal in the 100 m backstroke and a silver medal with the Belgian water polo team, which included his brother. On 16 September 1921 he set a world record in the 400 m backstroke at 5:59.2, which lasted until 1927. The Belgian water polo side won another silver in 1924, finished fifth in 1928, and took bronze in 1936, his last Olympic medal, when he played all seven matches. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Pioneer Swimmer in 1990.