Bert Haresnape made Olympic history in 1908 as the first Briton to win a backstroke medal and, going into the 2020 Games, remained the only British male to win a medal in this discipline. One of many fine swimmers from Merseyside in the early part of the 20th century, Haresnape qualified for the London Olympics after impressive performances in the trials at Bolton and Shepherd’s Bush, in which he finished first and third respectively in the 100 metres. He went on to win the 100 back bronze medal at the Games. A second Olympic medal seemed a possibility in 1912, but he just missed out on qualifying for the final by six-tenths of a second. Haresnape was also a good water polo player, and was captain of the Liverpool South Club that won the Merseyside and District Championship on many occasions.
Great Britain