Swimming gave me my start, but my pal Tarzan did the real work. He set me up nicely.

I have always been vitally interested in physical conditioning. I have long believed that athletic competition among people and nations should replace violence and wars.

Swimming gave me my start, but my pal Tarzan did the real work. He set me up nicely.

How can a guy climb trees, say Me Tarzan, You Jane, and make a million?

The director sent for me for Tarzan. I climbed the tree and walked out on a limb. The next day I was told I was an actor.

I could make good time because I was so long and skinny, shooting through the water like a stick.

I never lost a freestyle race. Never. Not even in the YMCA.

When people don’t know me any more or want my autograph, then I’ll think about retiring.

Can you imagine – a blond Tarzan?

No marriage can stand up under the strain of incessant association.

With but few exceptions, it is always the underdog who wins through sheer willpower.

Throughout my career I swam for form. Speed came as a result of it.

All the guys called the Olympic Village a high-class Boy Scout camp.

Treat your body well, and it’ll see you through for many years.

I need freedom to be happy.

I learned to yodel pretty well. It took me a few months, but I eventually perfected it.

The William Morris Agency handled me. In that business, you’re only as good as your last picture.

We didn’t have the lane ropes, we had to get up higher in the water to avoid the little waves.