Hebner, Harry J.
Swimming
b. June 15, 1891
d. Oct. 12, 1968
The backstroke didn't become a separate swimming event until the early part of the century. Hebner was its first great competitor. He won the national indoor 150-yard backstroke championship seven years in a row, 1910-1916, and he held the world records at every backstroke distance during those years and beyond.
Hebner won the gold medal in the Olympic 100-meter backstroke in 1912, after having won the bronze in 1908. He was also a fine freestyle swimmer; he won the national outdoor 440-yard championship in 1914, the indoor 100-yard championship in 1913-14, and the indoor 220-yard in 1914. He was a member of the 4 by 200-meter relay team that won an Olympic silver medal in 1912.
At the 1920 Olympics, Hebner was the U. S. flag bearer during opening ceremonies, this time as a member of the country's water polo team, which failed to medal.