About Len Newell
Lived 1913 – 1994 (aged 81). Len Newell was a New Zealand swimmer.
William Leonard James Newell (13 July 1913 – 17 August 1994) was a New Zealand swimmer who represented his country at the 1938 British Empire Games.
Biography Born in Christchurch on 13 July 1913, Newell was the son of William Newell and Eliza Lewis Newell (née Richards).
Newell won the 440 yards freestyle title at the New Zealand national swimming championships, representing Canterbury, in 1936, 1938, and 1940.
He represented New Zealand in the men's 440 yards and 1650 yards freestyle events at the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney. He finished seventh in his heat of the 440 yards, and did not progress to the final, while in his heat of the 1650 yards he retired.
Newell died in Christchurch on 17 August 1994, and his ashes were buried at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in the suburb of Linwood.
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Important facts
People in Len Newell's life
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Len Newell?
New Zealand swimmer (1913-1994)
When was Len Newell born?
Len Newell was born on 13 July 1913 in Christchurch.
When did Len Newell die?
Len Newell died on 17 August 1994 in Christchurch.
What was Len Newell's occupation?
Len Newell was a swimmer.
What nationality was Len Newell?
Len Newell was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Len Newell. https://biography.guide/len-newell/
MLA: "Len Newell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/len-newell/.
Chicago: "Len Newell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/len-newell/.
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