Dawn Lorraine Fraser is an Australian icon. In some circles she is considered Australia's greatest female athlete and the greatest Aussie Olympian of all time.
Background
Born in Balmain, Australia in 1937, Dawn was the youngest of
eight children, having three brothers and four sisters. While she loved
sports, she suffered from asthma as a child, making playing sports
difficult. She took up swimming to strengthen her lungs and improve
her breathing and became a strong swimmer. Her brother, Don, recognized
her skill and encouraged her to train for swimming competition.
Although he died when Dawn was 13, his encouragement kept her training.
At the age of 14 she was spotted by renowned swimming coach, Harry
Gallagher, in a local pool. Harry noticed her talent and offered to
train Dawn for free. Her association with Gallagher was the beginning
of her incredible swimming career.
During her career she won eight medals at the
Olympics (four gold and four silver) and six gold medals at the
Commonwealth Games. She also set 27 individual world records. Her
achievements include winning four gold medals in three successive
Olympic Games between 1956 and 1964, winning three straight freestyle
titles, setting 39 world records, and being awarded the distinguished
Olympic Order.
Career
As a young woman, Dawn Moved to Adelaide to follow her coach,
and continue her training. She became part of a group nicknamed, "The
Water Babes". Since she trained mostly with men, she became very
competitive and under Harry's training, Dawn developed her swimming
style to such a degree that she was able to qualify for the Melbourne
Olympics in 1956. That year she won a gold medal in the 100 meter
freestyle.
Dawn went on to win two more gold medals at the Cardiff
Commonwealth Games and in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, at the age of
23, she once again took the gold medal for the 100 meter freestyle.
She continued training for the 1964 Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo in
but just prior to the Games she lost her mother in a car accident and
chipped vertebrae in her neck. Despite her initial shock at the death
of her mother and her extensive injuries, Dawn competed that year and
won a record third Olympic gold medal in the 100 meter freestyle. She
set her last world record of 58.9 seconds at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Dawn was forced into retirement in 1964 after she was arrested
along with two other teammates for stealing the Olympic flag from the
Imperial Palace after a party during the Tokyo Olympics. The Australian
Swimming Union banner her from competition for ten years. Since her
retirement Fraser has engaged in many vocations, from coaching to
running her own business to politics. Though busy with other
occupations, Dawn has always remained close to the sport of swimming and
has remained a popular public figure. Dawn has endeared herself to the
public with her willingness to speak out on political issues.
Dawn Lorraine Fraser remains a swimming legend in Australia
today. In many circles is still referred to as Australia's greatest
Olympian. In 1998, the Aussie government named her a National Living
Treasure. She has been named assistant to the Australian Olympic Team
for the 2000 Games.
Politics
Unhappy with the way the major parties have paid lip service to services for senior citizens, Ms Fraser said she would hope to have some influence in the 46 member legislative council - where independents already hold sway over the Government.
"I'm tired of the way we have been treated by the major parties in terms of health services and family issues,'' she told