Jacko's Sporting Almanac

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Jacko's Sporting Almanac: Paulo Radmilovic

Paulo Radmilovic

BBC Radio Wales - Jacko's Sporting Almanac, Paulo Radmilovic

The epic story of the "human fish" who learned to swim in the canals of Cardiff.

Peter Jackson traces the Paulo Radmilovic story - the Welshman who captured four Olympic gold medals in a feat that stood unrivalled throughout the 20th century.

Peter Jackson asks why the extraordinary feats of Paulo Radmilovic - Britain's greatest 20th centry Olympian - are not more celebrated in his native Wales. Raddy won four gold medals either side of the First World War - in which he fought - and his record was only beaten by Sir Steve Redgrave in 2000. He was a superstar in the pool - water-polo was his speciality - and he rubbed shoulders with the greats of the time, including Johnny Weissmuller. He was in the pool for the notorious battle of Antwerp which led to a mini-riot and changed the rules of the sport. He boxed with Peerless Jim Driscoll and competed in the English Amateur Golf Championship. At the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Florida they recognise his talents and reckon the sport would not be the same without him. Yet in Wales, you must know where to look to find any recognition to this son of a Croatian father who encouraged Raddy and his brothers, first in the local canals and then in the Victorian public baths that were being built. Now a new team is emerging carrying forward the city's water polo-hopes - newly promoted Welsh Wanderers are hoping some of Raddy's legacy will rub off on them.

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