William Wilson (aquatics)

For other people named William Wilson, see William Wilson (disambiguation).

"A successful teacher of the art of swimming ought to devote as much thought, application, hard work and constant practice as almost any branch of education or science" (Photo courtesy of the International Swimming Hall of Fame)

William Wilson (November 13, 1844 in London, England – June 1, 1912 in Glasgow, Scotland) was a late 19th-century British journalist, swimming instructor and coach, and contributor to the scientific techniques behind competitive swimming. In 1883, Wilson published "The Swimming Instructor," one of the first books on swimming to define modern concepts of stroke efficiency, training, racing turns and water safety.

Contributions to swimming

Described and illustrated the racing start and turn.
Improved the mechanics of several strokes.
Developed the first life-saving drill.
Pioneered training methods, both dry-land and in the water, including tapering.
First newspaper journalist for the sport of swimming.
Innovator in indoor swimming pool design.

Water polo

In 1877, Wilson drew up a set of rules for a team water ball game, which he called "aquatic football". The first game took place between the banks of the River Dee at the Bon Accord Festival in Aberdeen, Scotland. Flags were placed eight or ten feet apart on the shore and players used a soft ball of Indian rubber, called a pulu. The game was a wrestling match from end to end of the field of play, but was popular with the spectators of the aquatic festivals of the era. Wilson had developed the sport while Baths Master at the Arlington Baths Club in Glasgow.

In 1885 the Swimming Association of Great Britain, recognized the game, now called water polo, and formulated a set of rules expanding on Wilson's rulebook. These eventually became the basis of FINA international rules, as the sport spread to Europe, America and Australia.

Life saving

In 1891, Wilson published a number of illustrated newspaper articles on lifesaving drills, and awarded prizes to local swimming clubs for proficiency in life saving techniques. Wilson's methods circulated in the form of a handbook, and in recognition of his contribution, he was elected the first Life Governor of the Royal Lifesaving Society.

External links

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