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John Quincy Adams

Presidency

What sport or recreation did John Quincy Adams engage in regularly while president?

He loved to swim in the Potomac River, which he often did as early as 5:00 A.M. Sometimes he even skinny-dipped in the river. One story—which may or may not be true—was that female journalist Anne Royell successfully obtained an exclusive interview with Adams by refusing to give him his clothes when he finished his swim unless the spoke to her on the record.



First Lady Louisa Catherine Adams as portrayed by artist Charles Robert Leslie.