John Morrisey of Buffalo, New York brought us information on a pioneering marathon swimmer, William "Bill" Goll, to our attention
Bill, born about 1908, finished second in the 28.5-mile race Manhattan Island Marathon Swim in 1930 and participated in at least nine Canadian National Exhibition swims between 1931 and 1954 with many top-five finishes in these events.
Bill also participated in at least five 22.5-mile swims around Atlantic City in New Jersey between 1954 and 1959, always finishing in the top 10 despite being between 47 and 51 years old. According to John's research, Bill even traveled as a high diver between 1935-1939 with a carnival during the Great Depression.
Truly an early pioneer and a rare one, doubling as a high diver.
Copyright © 2009 by World Open Water Swimming Association
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