Jimmy Thomas (1951) - Patterson Medal Winners - University of North Carolina Athletics

Jimmy Thomas

Induction:
1951
Class:
1951

1951— Jimmy Thomas: Men's Swimming (Baltimore, Md.)
Won two Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) national titles in the individual medley and one in the backstroke during his UNC career. While a Tar Heel, he established 10 American records, four NCAA marks and seven Southern Conference standards. Southern Conference Swimmer of the Year in 1949 and 1950 and co-winner with teammate Donnie Evans in 1951. Considered to be the top swimmer in Southern history, in 1951 Thomas became the first swimmer to earn firstteam All-America honors in four different individual events at the NCAA Championships. Was ranked No. 1 in the world in the backstroke. Completed his career at Carolina undefeated in conference competition in the 220- and 440-yard freestyle events. Member of Phi Beta Kappa. Inducted in the North Carolina and Maryland Swimming Halls of Fames. Attended Johns Hopkins Medical School. Became a general and thoracic surgeon in Bluefield, W. Va., for 32 years.