American swimmer Ethelda Bleibtrey breaks world records

Antwerp, 26 August 1920 - American swimmer Ethelda Bleibtrey smashed world records in both the 100m and 300m races today. The swimmer has managed to break records in every race she has competed in so far during the summer games.

She won the 100m final today, with fellow Americans Irene Guest and Frances Schroth coming in second and third place respectively. Bleibtrey also reached the final of the 300m which will be held later in the week. She won the race easily in four minutes.

The water polo match between Great Britain and the United States drew a lot of attention. An unusual but very pleasant incident occurred as the teams lined up for the start. The British team – which includes Irishman Noel Purcell – gave three ringing cheers for America, whose champions replied with equal heartiness with their Olympic cry, ‘Rah, rah, England.’ A great and gruelling game ensued. Britain went out early in the attack with the British captain scoring a deserved opening goal. Two more followed for GB and these successes were vociferously cheered by a small but vocal group of supporters waving union jacks. In the end the British ran out 7 - 2 victors.

In the other semi-final Belgium beat Sweden by five goals to three, to the almost delirious joy of the home crowd.

The final will take place tomorrow.

[Editor's note: This is an article from Century Ireland, a fortnightly online newspaper, written from the perspective of a journalist 100 years ago, based on news reports of the time.]