Career
His career was overshadowed by fellow Australian Kieren Perkins, and was also marred by illness. Housman entered the international stage after winning the 400-, 800- and 1500-metre freestyle events at the 1989 Australian championships, gaining selection for the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo, where he claimed gold in the 1500-metre event. However, this record was disallowed as the electronic timing equipment failed as he touched the finishing wall, even though he was clearly ahead of the world record as he touched.
In 1991, Housman was struck down by illness, and was forced to sit on the sidelines as Perkins claimed the 1500-metre freestyle world record.
He returned at the 1992 Summer Olympics, where despite swimming a fine race, he was completely overshadowed as Perkins swept all before him. Housman"s final international campaign at the 1996 Summer Olympics was a disappointment.
He missed out on selection for the 1500-metre behind Perkins and Kowalski, and was relegated to the role of a heat swimmer for the 4×200-metre freestyle relay team, which later finished fourth.
