Sport plays a huge role in our lives, helping us stay healthy and in shape. Liverpool has been home to many athletes who kicked off their careers right here in our city. Today, we’re diving into the story of a famous British diver, Thomas Burns. He made a name for himself with his daring dives from various structures and also saved countless lives in the water. You can read more about this incredible athlete on the iliverpool.info website.
A Life Entwined with Water
The future diver was born in Liverpool in 1868. Even as a child, Thomas showed remarkable athletic prowess. In 1889, our local hero won a wager that not only involved diving from a bridge but also covering a significant distance on foot. Thomas plunged from Runcorn Railway Bridge, swam to Liverpool, then walked all the way to London to dive from London Bridge. But that wasn’t all – he then trekked back to Liverpool to dive from the very same bridge in Runcorn. He had just nine days to complete this incredible feat.
In 1890, Burns went head-to-head with American athlete Carlisle D. Graham in a competition. They had to dive from Runcorn Bridge, swim 270 metres, and then run 16 kilometres. To evade the police, the athletes disguised themselves: our local lad as an elderly lady and the American as a labourer. Burns ultimately triumphed.
It’s worth noting that Thomas often found himself in hot water with the police, given his penchant for continually leaping from bridges into the water.
For instance, in 1892, Thomas was gearing up for a plunge from Prince’s Dock in Liverpool but was arrested on suspicion of being drunk. Fortunately, Burns’s mates bailed him out of jail.
The diver also sustained numerous injuries due to his activities and occasional recklessness. Yet, despite this, he undertook many life-threatening dives. Burns even jumped from moving trains – once as a train was pulling into Liverpool docks, and another time from a train crossing the Thames. While the police often tried to apprehend him for these antics, Thomas usually managed to give them the slip.
A True Crowd-Pleaser
Crowds absolutely adored watching his aquatic spectacles. In 1890, Burns dived from a bridge in Glasgow, with an audience of 22,000 onlookers. The police gave chase after his dive, but Thomas managed to escape. Two years later, the diver was finally taken into custody after jumping from bridges in Ayr, Scotland. However, a stranger paid his 10-shilling bail, and our local lad was released.
In 1897, the athlete plunged from a train into icy water. He was handed over to the police but was released just two hours later.
By 1893, Thomas Burns had gained international recognition, with the American press comparing him to American diver Steve Brodie.
But our local hero wasn’t just a diver; he was also a lifesaver. By 1896, Thomas Burns had rescued 43 people from the water. He was awarded medals and certificates from the Royal Humane Society for his bravery.
The Brave Diver’s Final Plunge
In July 1897, the diver made a 30-metre plunge into the sea near Rhyl Pier. Around three thousand people gathered to watch this spectacle. Some noticed that Burns didn’t look quite himself. The athlete sometimes allowed himself to dive while under the influence of alcohol. Thomas took the plunge but hit his back. Swimmers helped him get to shore, but he was unconscious. Efforts were made to revive the diver, but it was too late. His heart had stopped.
And so concludes the story of the daring athlete and diver Thomas Burns, a man who loved to take risks and often stared death in the face. He passed away at the age of thirty but undoubtedly lived a vivid and unforgettable life.