George Kojac American swimmer Date of Birth: 02.03.1910 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Rutgers University and Olympic Triumph
3. Medical School and Legacy
4. Later Life and Death

Early Life and Career

George Kojac was born on March 2, 1910, in New York City to Ukrainian immigrants. As a student at DeWitt Clinton High School, he began his swimming career, training in the East River. He set his first world record, which would eventually total 32, while still in high school.

Rutgers University and Olympic Triumph

Kojac continued swimming at Rutgers University, joining the Scarlet Knights swim team. In 1928, he became a member of the U.S. national swim team. At the Amsterdam Olympics, he won gold medals in the 100-meter backstroke and the 4x200-meter freestyle relay. He also competed in the 100-meter freestyle but finished fourth.

Medical School and Legacy

Kojac graduated from Rutgers in 1931 and enrolled in medical school at Columbia University. His studies prevented him from participating in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, where he would have been a medal favorite. Nonetheless, his remarkable achievements earned him induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968.

Later Life and Death

After completing his medical degree, Kojac led a quiet life. He passed away on May 28, 1996, in Fairfax, Virginia, at the age of 86. His legacy as an Olympic champion and world record holder continues to inspire generations of swimmers.