About Harry Hay
Lived 1893 – 1952 (aged 59). Harry Hay was an Australian swimmer.
Harry Maitland Hay (5 February 1893 – 30 March 1952) was an Australian freestyle swimmer of the 1920s who won a silver medal in the 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp. He later enjoyed success as a swimming coach, guiding Boy Charlton to Olympic gold.
Coming from the Manly Swimming Club based at Sid Eve's Baths, Hay also competed in the 100 metre freestyle where he reached the semifinals and the 400 metre freestyle but did not get past the first round.
Hay had arranged to travel to the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki to look after the Australian swimmers but suffered a fatal heart attack just a month before leaving.
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Important facts
People in Harry Hay's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Harry Hay?
Australian swimmer, Olympic silver medallist (1893–1952)
When was Harry Hay born?
Harry Hay was born on 5 February 1893 in Maitland.
When did Harry Hay die?
Harry Hay died on 30 March 1952 in Manly.
What was Harry Hay's occupation?
Harry Hay was a swimmer.
What nationality was Harry Hay?
Harry Hay was Australian.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Harry Hay (swimmer)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Harry Hay. https://biography.guide/harry-hay-swimmer/
MLA: "Harry Hay." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/harry-hay-swimmer/.
Chicago: "Harry Hay." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/harry-hay-swimmer/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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