Ralph Flanagan (swimmer)

Ralph Drew Flanagan was an American competitive swimmer who competed for the University of Texas. He was a talented athlete who represented the United States at two consecutive Summer Olympics in the 1930s.

During the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Flanagan achieved a remarkable feat by winning a silver medal. His performance showed his skill and dedication to the sport of swimming, making him a notable figure in Olympic history. Flanagan's accomplishments continue to inspire many young athletes today.

Olympics

Ralph Flanagan started swimming at a young age. When he was 13, he competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. Four years later, at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, he won a silver medal as part of the U.S. team in the men's 4×200-meter freestyle relay. He also placed fourth in the men's 400-meter freestyle and fifth in the men's 1,500-meter freestyle.

Flanagan swam for the University of Texas under Head Coach Tex Robertson. He helped the team win the Southwestern Conference team Championship in his senior year. After his swimming career, Flanagan worked with the Red Cross and later became the director of safety programs for Los Angeles. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1978 as an "Honor Swimmer."