Athletic Champion and Hollywood Icon
Johnny Weissmuller was celebrated as one of the greatest athletes in U.S. history and an Olympic champion. In 1932, the “King of Swimming” became the “King of the Jungle” when he took on the iconic role of Tarzan.
Weissmuller was not the only Olympic medalist to transition from sports to the silver screen. Several other Olympic champions followed in his footsteps, including shot putter Hermes Brix (later known as Bruce Bennett), swimmer Clarence ‘Buster’ Crabbe (best known for his portrayal of Flash Gordon), and decathlete Glenn Morris—all of whom made the jump to play Tarzan after their sports careers.
Johnny Weissmuller is regarded as one of the greatest swimmers of all time. The American athlete won five Olympic gold medals, with three at the Paris 1924 Games and two more at the Amsterdam 1928 Games. His career began at a young age, with Weissmuller making his Olympic debut at just 20 years old.
On June 5, 1927, Weissmuller made history with a blistering 100-meter swim, setting a world record of 51.0 seconds. His record stood for 17 years before it was surpassed. Remarkably, Weissmuller himself improved upon his own time, clocking in at 48.5 seconds at the age of 36, though by that time, he had transitioned to professional swimming.
While other swimmers may have earned more Olympic medals, Weissmuller is still remembered as one of the best. In 1950, 250 sports journalists from the Associated Press voted him the greatest swimmer of the first half of the 20th century, a testament to his lasting legacy.
Weissmuller began his training at the Illinois Athletic Club in Chicago, where he set 67 world records throughout his summer career. In 1927, Weissmuller, along with his brother, became heroes when they rescued two dozen people from a capsized steamship on Lake Michigan. His bravery earned him the Key to the City of Chicago and, later, the Key to New York City for his athletic achievements.
In addition to swimming, Weissmuller also played for two U.S. Olympic water polo teams. Despite his skills, he remarked that his team could never beat the tough Yugoslavian teams.
Weissmuller’s swimming potential was first noticed by coach William Bachrach in 1920 when Johnny was 17. Bachrach was impressed by Weissmuller’s raw talent and trained him for the 100-yard race, emphasizing form over speed. As Weissmuller later recalled, Bachrach told him to focus on form, which would lead to speed. This approach paid off as Weissmuller went on to become one of the most technically precise swimmers of his time.
Bachrach’s guidance was key to Weissmuller’s success, particularly his emphasis on the crawl stroke. Weissmuller learned to focus on arm mechanics—keeping elbows high and bent, pulling, then pushing—and to relax during the recovery phase. His diving style was influenced by Olympic gold medalist Norman Ross, while he also drew inspiration from Harry Hebner, an Olympic backstroker and freestyler.
Weissmuller’s long, lean frame (he stood at 6’3″) was a physical advantage, but it was his dedication to form, concentration, and the brilliance of his coach that truly set him apart. He credits his success to his ability to stay calm under pressure—something that carried over from the pool to the film set.
Weissmuller’s athletic career was legendary. He retired with 67 world records (51 of them in individual events), 52 national championship gold medals, and 38 individual U.S. national titles, a record that stood until 1980. He was never defeated in official swimming competitions, becoming a symbol of the modern sports era.
After retiring from competitive swimming, Weissmuller transitioned into a successful Hollywood career. In 1932, he signed a seven-year contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and became the screen’s definitive Tarzan, starring in 12 films from 1932 to 1948. He also starred in the Jungle Jim series and other notable films.
Weissmuller’s journey from the swimming pools of Chicago to the jungles of Hollywood is a testament to his incredible talent and willingness to take risks. His impact on popular culture is undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of athletes, actors, and fans. Johnny Weissmuller’s story remains a celebration of the human spirit—a reminder to pursue our passions and never give up on our dreams.
