First Jewish Olympic Champion in Swimming

Alfréd Hajós of Hungary became the first Jewish Olympic champion in swimming on 11 April 1896. Competing at the inaugural modern Olympic Games in Athens, he won the 100 metres freestyle event which took place in Piraeus, Greece. His achievement is recorded as 'gold in the 100 metres freestyle at Athens 1896 on 11 April 1896'. Hajós, a Hungarian Jewish swimmer and architect, also won the 1,200 metres freestyle at the same Games.

The basis for this record is a chronological comparison of the 1896 swimming finals. According to Olympedia, the 100 metres freestyle was held before the 500 metres freestyle, which was won on the same day by fellow Jewish swimmer Paul Neumann. The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame identifies both athletes as Jewish champions of the Athens Games. Because Hajós’s victory occurred earlier in the competition schedule, he is established as the first Jewish athlete to win a gold medal in a swimming event.