Bruce Ira Harlan (January 2, 1926 – June 22, 1959)[1][2] was a diver from the United States and Olympic champion. He represented his native country at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, where he received one gold medal and one silver medal.[3]

Bruce Harlan
Bruce Harlan
Personal information
Full nameBruce Ira Harlan
Born(1926-01-02)January 2, 1926
Marple Newtown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedJune 22, 1959(1959-06-22) (aged 33)
Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S.
OccupationDiving coach
Years active1945–1959
Sport
SportDiving
Events
University teamOhio State University
Achievements and titles
Olympic finals1948
Medal record
Men's diving
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 1948 London 3 metre springboard
Silver medal – second place 1948 London 10 metre platform
Representing Ohio State
NCAA
Gold medal – first place 1948 Ann Arbor 1 meter diving
Gold medal – first place 1949 Chapel Hill 1 meter diving
Gold medal – first place 1949 Chapel Hill 3 meter diving
Gold medal – first place 1950 Columbus 1 meter diving
Gold medal – first place 1950 Columbus 3 meter diving

Harlan was a high school wrestler and pole vaulter in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, and served in the United States Navy during World War II. Harlan coached diving at the University of Michigan from 1954 to 1959.[4] On June 21, 1959 he took part in a diving exhibition in Fairfield, Connecticut. While helping to dismantle the scaffolding of the diving tower, Harlan fell 27 feet (8.2 m) to his death.[5]

In 1961 the Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (MISCA) honored Bruce Harlan when they created an award in his honor. The award is given annually to a diving coach who demonstrates continued leadership, contributions, and service to Michigan High School Diving.[6]

Harlan was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1973.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Bruce Harlan". HickokSports.com. Ralph Hickok. February 18, 2009. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  2. ^ Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Bruce Harlan". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  3. ^ "Diving results for the 1948 Summer Olympics". databaseOlympics.com. Archived from the original on September 23, 2012. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Bruce Harlan (USA) – 1973 Honor Diver". ISHOF.org. International Swimming Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  5. ^ Wallechinsky, David; Loucky, Jaime (2012). The Complete Book of the Olympics 2012 Edition. London: Aurum Press. p. 593. ISBN 978-1-84513-695-6.
  6. ^ "Awards". Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association. Archived from the original on September 11, 2010.
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