Sport
Table of Contents
Besfords who have been involved in sport.
Swimming #
John Charles Preston (Jack) Besford became British and European swimming champion, and won the British backstroke title seven times from 1927 to 1936.
Football #
Willy Lyons played for Ashington FC as a part-time professional in the North Eastern League.
John William (Jack) Besford (1891–1975) played centre-forward for Radcliffe Excelsior in the Coquetdale League, and subsequently in the same role for Seaton Hirst Celtic.
John’s son David Besford (1919–2015) was a keen footballer. He acquired a reputation as a hard player and earned the nickname “Dirty Besford”.
Running #
Willy Lyons was a professional sprinter.
Cricket #
Ted Besford played cricket as a wicket-keeper, and went on to be captain and later club secretary of Carlton Cricket Club.
Australian rules football #
Ted Besford played for the Fitzroy Football Club in the Victorian Football League between 1939 and 1941.
Boat racing #
George Besford (1831–1908) was actively involved in boat racing.
Bowling #
George Besford (1831–1908) took up bowling later in life and was noted amongst other champions.
Sports journalism #
Pat Besford (1919–1988) was a leading British sportswriter, who compiled the Encyclopaedia of Swimming.