Specializing in the freestyle event, Ralph Hutton was coached by fellow BC Sports Hall of Famer, George Gate, at the Ocean Falls Amateur Swim Club. Because of his preference for longer distance events and his remarkable ten-year career, he was dubbed “The Ironman.” Hutton was also inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

During his ten-year career from 1963-72, Hutton amassed a total of 25 medals. He epresented Canada on three Olympic (1964, 1968, 1972), three Pan American (1963, 1967, 1971), and two Commonwealth Games teams (1966, 1970).

He won silver at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City in the 400m freestyle. That same year, he established a world record in the 400m freestyle at the AAU long course championships.

Hutton’s race results at major international championships stands up against that of any Canadian swimmer. He won a silver medal at the 1963 Pan Ams, one gold and five silver medals at the 1967 Pan Ams, and one silver and two bronze medals at the 1971 Pan Ams in the freestyle and relay events.

He won one gold, five silver, and two bronze medals at the 1966 Commonwealth Games and four silver medals at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in the freestyle and relay events.