1920 was a banner year for Portland area swimmers and divers at the Antwerp Summer Games in Belgium. Norman Ross (May 2, 1895 – June 19, 1953) won three gold Norman Ross grew up in Portland at the turn of the 20th Century and won three gold medals at the 1920 Antwerp Olympic Summer Games. The 6-foot two-inch athlete was known as "The Big Moose".
Ross matured as a swimmer at the Multnomah Athletic Club as one of coach Jack Cody's first stars. He already had international experience winning five events at the Inter-Allied Games in Paris. It was held in 1919 and only World War I veterans and current military members. Ross was decorated for his Army service and would also serve as a general's aide in World War II. He also swam for Stanford University. At the 1920 games Norman won the 400-meter freestyle, the 1,500-meter freestyle and anchored the winning 4×200-meter team. The meet took place in an open canal and without lane markings. He also was part of the US Water Polo team that finishes fourth.
For his career, Ross set 13 world records and won 18 AAU national championships. He was known for his big personality and willingness to tease other competitors. He was part of the US team rebellion in 1920 over travel and accommodations.
Ross moved to Chicago and attended Northwestern University Law School. He became more interested in music and broadcasting and "Uncle Normie" was the first classical disc jockey in the country.
Norman Ross was honored in 1967 by the International Swimming Hall of Fame.