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William Herald

1900 – 1976

Australian swimmer, Olympic silver medallist

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About William Herald

Lived 1900 – 1976 (aged 75). William Herald was an Australian swimmer.

William Sharp Hannah Herald (28 April 1900 – 13 February 1976) was an Australian freestyle swimmer of the 1910s and early 1920s, who won a silver medal in the 4×200-metre freestyle relay at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium. He also competed in the 100-metre and 400-metre freestyle events.

Herald combined with Frank Beaurepaire, Henry Hay and Ivan Stedman to claim the silver medal in the 4×200-metre freestyle relay. The United States team, led by Duke Kahanamoku, won the gold, routing the Australians by 21 seconds. Due to the financial difficulties following the First World War, the swimming events were held in an open canal, without lane markings. Herald reached the final of the 100-metre freestyle, coming fifth, but claimed that fourth-placed American Norman Ross had fouled him during the race. Olympic officials ordered a re-race, and the placings were identical, except for Ross, who had won the 400-metre and 1500-metre events in the meantime and not bothered to enter the re-race.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Also known as
William Sharp Hannah Herald, Billy Herald

People in William Herald's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Herald's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Herald?

Australian swimmer, Olympic silver medallist (1900-1976)

When was William Herald born?

William Herald was born on 28 April 1900 in Glebe.

When did William Herald die?

William Herald died on 13 February 1976 in Sydney.

What was William Herald's occupation?

William Herald was a swimmer.

What nationality was William Herald?

William Herald was Australian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Herald

· Wikidata: Q3440821

· DBpedia: William Herald

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Herald. https://biography.guide/william-herald/

MLA: "William Herald." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-herald/.

Chicago: "William Herald." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-herald/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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