Louis Gilberto Ruiz, Sam Rockett & Harold Hedger

Sam Rockett, Louis Gilberto Ruis & Harold Hedger 1952, Folkestone Beac. Here, the Paraguayan is shown with Trainer Rockett (in front), and his interpreter, Harold Hedger.

Louis Gilberto Ruis (Paraguay) was dragged from the water in delirium by Sam Rockett after 13hrs 15mins in 1952. It was one of the greatest swims of all time, carried out in a storm that raged from the first hour and made even those in the rowboat fearful for their lives. Within sight of his goal, after 13hrs 15mins, the delirious Ruiz turned and began swimming back toward France. Rockett, fully-clothed, and due to rough water, fell into the water, and maneuvered Ruiz back to the launch escort.

Here, the Paraquayan is shown with Trainer Rockett (in front), and his interpreter, Harold Hedger.

Sam Rockett swam in the 1950 Daily Mail race and was the fourth man to finish. He was Supervisor for the 1951 Daily Mail Race, an International race held in the “Festival of Britain year” and was also supervisor for the Billy Butlin races from 1953 to 1959, and the Sir Billy Butlin long distance walk from John O Groats to Lands End.

He played County Water Polo for a number of Counties. He was author of the book “its Cold in the Channel”

A black and white photograph. From the Sam Rockett collection