Willie Farrell was born and grew up in Los Angeles and, after training as a gymnast, started diving at the Los Angeles Athletic Club in 1949. In high school he won the Los Angeles City diving championship in 1953. Farrell competed at the 1952 Olympic Trials, placing fifth on the platform, and was fourth at the 1953 AAU Meet. He then went into the service where he worked as a medic. He was discharged in June 1956, just in time for the Olympic Trials where he finished third on the platform to make the Olympic team. Farrell was coached by Glenn McCormick, the renowned coach who was the husband of diving superstar Pat McCormick.
United States