Like the underwater swimming event, the plunge for distance is a common activity in the backyard pool, and it once made it to the greatest international sporting stage. The competitors in the plunge for distance event began with a standing dive, then had to remain motionless underwater for one minute or until their heads broke the surface of the water, whichever came first.
The longest distance recorded won the event. This event was only held once at the Olympics, in Paris 1904. It is not surprising that it was never seen again on the Olympic program. The first three places went to members of the New York Athletic Club.
Results
- William Dickey USA 19.05m (62 feet, 6 inches)
- Edgar Adams USA 17.53m
- Leo 'Budd' Goodwin USA 17.37m
Related Pages
- More about the unusual sport of plunge for distance
- Other Discontinued Swimming Events
- List of all Discontinued Events
- All about Swimming at the Olympic Games