Bob Hawkes (swimmer) explained

Bob Hawkes
Birth Date:23 October 1921
Birth Place:Biwabik, Minnesota, U.S.
Sport:Archery
Para-athletics
Swimming
Wheelchair basketball
Disability Class:C1[1]

Bob Hawkes (October 23, 1921 – July 15, 2012), also known as Robert C. Hawkes, was an American paralympic archer, athlete, swimmer and wheelchair basketball player. He competed at the 1960, 1964 and 1968 Summer Paralympics.

Life and career

Hawkes was born in Biwabik, Minnesota. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.[2]

Hawkes was superintendent of Opportunity Farm For Boys[3] [4] during the 1960s.

Hawkes competed at the 1960 Summer Paralympics, winning two gold medals, a silver medal and a bronze medal in swimming and wheelchair basketball.[5] He then competed at the 1964 Summer Paralympics, winning a gold medal in the men's Columbia round team open event in archery.[6]

Hawkes died on July 15, 2012 at the age of 90.[7]

Notes and References

  1. News: Hawkes Winner In Wheelchair. Bangor Daily News. Bangor, Maine. June 24, 1964. June 28, 2024. 20. Newspapers.com.
  2. Web site: Obituary: Bob Hawkes was an educator, athlete regatta racer, hall-of-famer, and paraplegic. The Florida Times-Union. Sandy. Strickland. July 25, 2012. June 28, 2024.
  3. News: ‘Bob’ Hawkes Named To Olympic Wheelchair Team. Portland Press Herald. Portland, Maine. July 3, 1960. June 28, 2024. 4. Newspapers.com.
  4. News: Home From Rome, Hawkes Shuns Spotlight. Portland Press Herald. Portland, Maine. September 29, 1960. June 28, 2024. 25. Newspapers.com.
  5. Web site: Rome 1960 Paralympic Games Results. International Paralympic Committee. June 28, 2024.
  6. Web site: Tokyo 1964 Paralympic Games Results. International Paralympic Committee. June 28, 2024.
  7. Web site: Robert Hawkes, 90, teacher and coach who inspired many in his life. Portland Press Herald. Dennis. Hoey. July 23, 2012. June 28, 2024.