David Wilkie, British Olympic Gold Medallist and Swimming Innovator, Dies at 70

Wilkie, known for his record-breaking 200m breaststroke win in 1976 and pioneering swimming gear, passed away surrounded by family.

David Wilkie, a pioneering British swimmer, has died at age 70 after battling cancer.
Wilkie won gold in the 200m breaststroke at the Montreal Olympics, breaking the world record by over three seconds.
He was the first British man to win Olympic gold in swimming since 1908 and introduced the use of swim caps and goggles in competitions.
Wilkie also won two Olympic silver medals, three world titles, and held numerous British, Commonwealth, and European records.
Post-retirement, he became a successful businessman and continued to contribute to swimming through coaching and media.