1920: The legendary Joe Ruddy in action

Joe Ruddy, Sr. born in 1878, was a legendary player initially of the Knickerbocker Athletic Club and then of the New York Athletic Club. Joe Ruddy won his first swimming race when he was 14, at the Chicago World's Fair. As member of the New York Athletic Club won the gold medal in St. Louis 1904 Olympic Games. During the 1920s and 1930s the New York Athletic Club reigned supreme in both Swimming and Water Polo with Joe Ruddy being the coach. One of his sons, Ray Ruddy was member of the US team in Berlin 1936 Olympic Games and member of the US swimming team in 1928 and 1932 Olympics.
Photo: Action during a game of NYAC in 1920's: “Joe Ruddy, with a back strangle hold, trying to force Harry Williams with ball under water” (Collier’s; The National weekly, of February 19th, 1938)