James L. McCusker

James L. McCusker (b. abt. 1869) was an American swimmer known for his high-profile swims against top competitors in the 1890s and early 1900s.[2]

James L. McCusker
McCusker circa 1904
Personal information
NationalityIrish-American
Bornc. 1869
Ireland
Height5 ft 9 1/2 in [1]
Weight173 lb (78 kg)
Sport
SportSwimming

McCusker was born in Ireland and emigrated to the United States, living in Everett, Massachusetts. After winning a three-man September 1891 swimming race at Lake Quinsigamond against John Leavitt and Robert Magree for a prize of $750, he was declared the American champion.[1][3] He then proceeded to travel to challenge other top swimmers to matches, including James Finney, Joseph Nuttall in England in 1893[4] and Boston in 1904[5] and Australian Percy Cavill.[2][6]

After failing in an attempt to cross the English Channel in 1907, by 1908 McCusker fell on hard times, and was sent to the Massachusetts state mental hospital for two years related to theft charges.[7]

References
  1. (5 November 1891). McCusker is Champion, The Wichita Daily Eagle, p. 7, col. 4
  2. James L. McCusker - Champion Long Distance Swimmer Archived 2012-06-02 at the Wayback Machine, everett.ma.us, Retrieved 31 July 2013)
  3. (15 September 1891). A Swimming Match, The Wichita Daily Eagle, p. 2, col. 1 (report of September 14, 1891 race on Lake Quinsigamond between McCusker, Robert P. Magee, and John Leavitt)
  4. Lambie, James. The Story of Your Life: A History of the Sporting Life Newspaper (1859-1998), p. 179 (2010) (relating story of August 19, 1893 one mile match between McCusker and Nuttall)
  5. (31 July 1904). America's Best to Meet Briton, The Washington Times
  6. (2 October 1900). The Sporting World, Aurora Daily Express
  7. (11 February 1910). McCusker Free: Old Time Swimmer Was in Insane Hospital], Lowell Sun
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