Jack Robertson’s 1924 Olympic Adventure

Following is a transcription of the 8-page letter that John (Jack) Robinson mailed to family back home in Napa, Calif., while competing in Paris at the 1924 Olympic Games. Jack was a member of the U.S. men’s swimming team, and his experiences are related in “Paris Through an American Swimmer’s Eyes: Jack Robertson’s 1924 Olympic Adventure” which appeared in the March 2025 issue of the Journal of Sports Philately.

Village Olympique
Colombes – France
Friday July 11, 1924

Dearest Jean,

This matter of letter writing is a very difficult one under the circumstances for the day is well filled with things to be done and “do-able”. I shall however attempt to drop you short letters more frequently hereafter.

The whole team dined in Paris last night – women and all for once. This was an exception to the usual rule as the girl swimmers are parked some 12 miles from us. [Which is still none too far] The mail was distributed at the table among many thrills & “ohs”! & “ahs.” I have received no letters for some weeks and was expecting a few and was not disappointed receiving your letter mailed June 12, to New York which was forwarded. Glad to hear all goes well at home and very sorry to learn of Harry Bell’s misfortune & that of the Reynold’s family.

I have been almost too busy to do much swimming or at least I have found it hard to take the sport seriously enough to help my speed. We have the four fastest sprinters in the world probably and as only three can be entered it was necessary for Sam Kahanamoku and myself and Pua Kealoha to have trials for the third position – Weissmuller & Duke being conceded the first two positions. We easily eliminated Pua but between ourselves there was little choice – in the final race Sam managed to sneak by me on my “blind” side & win by about 2 inches. Much excitement prevailed and the coach asked if I would care to reswim etc. – but as one of us must lose & the winner would have to keep strict hours & training & eating etc. I felt satisfied to conceed (sic) the place to Sam who is a likeable chap & an excellent sport. I have therefore been free to dine where & when & how I please and absorb as much “atmosphere” as is usual & desirable under the circumstances. All this you will be aware of by the time you receive this (i.e. the final elimination etc) which makes letter writing a bit unsatisfactory.

As it takes all of 15 days for a letter to reach me from you do not attempt to answer this letter unless you mail it to Park Ave Hotel marked “Hold till called for.”

It is now 3 o’clock & the 6th day of the track meet is opening which I must see. We go each day of course. It lasts until about seven o’clock. Then we drive to town to eat (mens team) & return about 9:30. I shall continue at that time.

———“Hiatus”———

——— Off again.

As you will know America is far in the lead in track altho the Finns are putting up a great battle winning everything in the long distance races.

Have seen some great athletes in action.

Paris is still Paris – & oh boy! it is some fine city. Take eating for instance! Ah & oh! Their soup “potage” is excellent usually but no better than ours.

Their salads are not so very much but when they work out on vegetables “legumes” string beans, “pomme de terres” peas and artichokes they make a palate slaver. Steaks, ma cherie – Mon Dieu etc. Omellettes (sic), truffles, mushrooms, works of art.

Then considering a cocktail for two francs (about 12 cts) & either beer at 1 france or champagne anywhere from 75 cts to 2.00 a bottle or Burgundy (1900) 1.00 a bottle followed by “fromage” of all kinds & a “liquer” – well you can figure out how I enjoy it. The coffee over here is rotten – terrible & atrocious. Nobody drinks it except in desperation. “Chocolat” is drunk a great deal.

The night life centers about the “Montmartre” pronounced momart – there lies the Dead Rat – the Latin Quartier not far removed – the Moulin Rouge and Follies Bergere besides a few interesting dens of iniquity.

The Follies show is like a musical comedy of home only less clothes – drinking between acts – more artistic effects – fine figures – rotten dancing – fair singing & hot as the devil no ventilation in any of the houses.

Am going to the Opera soon.

Will tell you much more when I see you –

Just received a letter from Pete. No news.

Hope you are all well – Will be glad to see you. Hope you see Helen often?

Tell Frank I will drop him line soon. Leave here July 28th will get home about Aug. 15th

Love to mother & dad –

(Signed) John