Tom Blower
Cross Channel Swimmer
By Peter Lester
Tom Blower was born in Nottingham in 1914. He discovered a remarkable talent for long-distance swimming and on 4 August 1937 he swam the English Channel in a record time of 13 hours and 29 minutes. He crossed the Channel three times and won the exhausting 'Morecambe Cross-Bay Swim' four times in succession in the 1930s. He became known as 'The Human Torpedo' and trained for hours in local baths, including Noel Street and Victoria Baths, Nottingham.
Archives
A range of archives about Tom, including award certificates and photographs, is deposited at Nottinghamshire Archives under reference DD/1891. One of his swimming trophies is held at Nottingham Council House.
Cross-channel swimmer Tom Blower, 1940s
Telegram from Lord Mayor of Nottingham sending best wishes to Tom Blower on his attempt to swim the Channel, 1944
Souvenir programme for the Player's Athletic Club featuring Tom Blower, 1947
Poster in support of Tom Blower's double Channel Crossing, 1948