George Burleigh

George Burleigh (1914–1984) was a Canadian swimmer. He won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 1930 and 1934. and held Canadian freestyle swimming records in the 1930s.

Early life In 1925, Burleigh joined the West End YMCA in Toronto. He had been given his membership as a Christmas present from his grandmother.

1930 British Empire Games

At the inaugural British Empire Games in 1930 in Hamilton, Ontario Burleigh, aged 16, became the youngest swimmer to represent Canada. He won bronze in both the 440 yard freestyle and 1500 yard freestyle events. He also won gold, along with teammates Munroe Bourne, Bert Gibson, and Jimmy Thompson, in the 800 yard (4 x 200 yard) freestyle relay. Only two teams entered this event, with England winning silver, only 2 yards and 0.4 seconds behind Canada's time of 8 minutes and 42.4 seconds.

1934 British Empire Games

At the 1934 British Empire Games in London Burleigh won three gold medals, later describing it as "my finest hour". A new games record was set in all three events. He also competed in the 110 yard freestyle competition but was not placed. alt=George Burleigh, sitting on a bench wearing his swimming trunks and a striped sweater.

Retirement

After ending his swimming career in 1938, Burleigh went to teach at the West End YMCA and retired in Wybridge, Ontario. Posthumously, he was inducted in the Ontario Aquatic Hall of Fame in 2000 and awarded the Order of Sport, marking induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.