Eddie Gilbert

Eddie Gilbert was Texas state high school champion in the 100 freestyle in 1946 and 1947. He won the AAU title in the 200 freestyle in 1948 and swam the 4x200 freestyle relay at the 1948 London Olympics. Gilbert competed for the University of Texas in college. He was a Southwest Conference champion and All-American in each of his three seasons at Texas.

Gilbert served in the Naval ROTC program at Texas and graduated as a Naval officer. He served in Japan, Korea during the Korean Conflict, and Hong Kong before his discharge in 1954, when he returned to Texas and began a career in the oil business. He later continued service as a philanthropist, especially donating to military charities, including Helping a Hero.