Hilda James

Hilda James set five world records over distances between 220y and 440y freestyle and also broke countless British records. She won the National 100y and 220y titles in 1921 and was a double winner again in 1924 when she won the 220y and the inaugural 440y title She was considered to be one of the best European swimmers at the time, and was also a good synchronized swimmer.

In 1925 Hilda James was invited by the South African Amateur Swimming Union to participate in a demonstration tour and a series of galas to promote swimming in South Africa and Rhodesia.

The tour was initially planned from January 26 to March 20, 1925, but its success led to an extension until May 1 of that year. She celebrated her 21st birthday in Stellenbosch, South Africa, during the extended tour.

Hilda James was inducted into ISHOF in 2016. Her grandson, Ian McAllister, wrote the story of her life, Lost Olympics, a fascinating story.