Damian Piza Beltran - Mexico being presented with his certificate by Mr. Dutson

Butlin’s International Channel Swim 1954. Folkestone, Kent. Damien Piza Beltram of Mexico being presented with his certificate, titled “Butlin’s International Cross Channel Swimming Race 1954”. Mr Dutson made the presentation.

“The Tabasco shark”: Damián Píza Beltrán, first Mexican who crossed the English Channel in 1953.

He was successful in 1953 in a time of 15hrs. 23mins. It was an independant swim. He was the first Mexican to swim the Channel.

He was unsuccessful in the  1954 race, he swam for 5 hours, and at the date of the swim was 36 years old. In 1955 he again swam in a Billy Butlin swim and was one of the four finishers in that race, his swim time was 15hrs and 8 mins.

He doubled up on film for Johnny Weissmuller, in the Tarzan films. He was also a crooner in a Night Club.

Part of the Sam Rockett Collection. A Black and White Photograph.