Harold Hampton Hardwick (14 December 1888 – 22 February 1959) was a versatile Australian sports star of the early 20th century – an Olympic gold medal swimmer, national heavyweight boxing champion, and a state representative rugby union player.

[1] Born in Balmain, Sydney, to George Henry Hardwick and his wife Priscilla, Harold began swimming at an early age and, at 11, was winning races.

In the 400-metre freestyle, he won his heat and semifinal and held the lead in the final for a period before being defeated by Canada's George Hodgson and the United Kingdom's Jack Hatfield, earning a bronze medal.

After returning to Australia, Hardwick stopped swimming at the international level and diversified his interests, joining the Manly Surf Club, in which he participated in winning State Championships.

He maintained a commission in the militia from 1921, and during World War II as lieutenant-colonel, he commanded the 1st Cavalry Divisional Signals from 1940 to 1942, rising to the rank of colonel.