Percy Knowles
Bahamian sailor
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Early life
Percival Andrew Knowles Sr was born on 8 November 1930 in Nassau, Bahamas. He was the son of John Henry Knowles and his second wife, Irma Pinder Knowles. His elder half-brother, from his father's first marriage, was the Olympian Durward Knowles.[2]
Sporting career
Knowles represented the Bahamas in sailing at the 1960, 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics.[1][3] In Tokyo, Knowles competed in the 5.5 class.[4]
In 1963, he became a Vice Commander of the new Bahamas Air-Sea Rescue Auxilliary (BASRA) organisation.[5]
Over the years, Knowles has continued to participate in competitive sport, taking part in Masters swimming tournaments.[6] In 2010, he competed at the US National Masters Swimming Championships where he won a bronze in the 100 yd breaststroke[7] and, later that year, at the World Masters Championships in Sweden.[6] In 2017, he won the 100 and 200 yd breaststroke and the 100 and 200 yd freestyle in the 85-89 age group at the 2017 Auburn Masters Invitational swim meet.[8] In 2024, the 93 year old Knowles, his son Andy Knowles, grandson Jeremy Knowles, and 14 year-old grandson competed in the Bahamas National Swimming Championships in the 4 x 50 m team relay in an unprecedented "generations" team.[9]
Personal life
Knowles married Frances Ingraham in 1953. The couple had two sons and two daughter. Their son, Bruce Knowles is also a former Olympian.[2]
