Congratulations to Australian Olympic swimming legend Dawn Fraser for being awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia for her service to sport and the community.
In 1950, the talented 14 year old Dawn was spotted by Harry Gallagher and invited to train with his “Golden Dolphins” squad at Drummoyne Pool.
Her career achievements include eight Olympic and eight Commonwealth medals, and making history as the first woman to swim 100 metres in less than a minute.
She told ABC News:
“It’s the highest award that I’ve ever achieved, and I put it down to my first gold medal when my mum and dad saw me swim for the first time in Melbourne,”
“I was just so very excited to win that … and now I’ve achieved the highest award and I think it’s just absolutely fantastic. I’ve got it on a level plateau.”
Photo – ABC News: James Carmody