He was the first athlete to break the 60 seconds for the 100 metres freestyle. In the year 1924, he won 400 and 100 metres freestyle at the Paris Olympics and retained 100 title in Amsterdam four years later. He finished unbeaten with five Olympic titles and 67 world records.

He was regarded as the finest male swimmer in the first half of the 20th century. After his retirement he played the role of Tarzan alongside Maureen O`Sullivan as Jane for several Hollywood movies.