Career
At the national team camp in Townsville before the games, he became the first person to swim 400-metre backstroke in under five minutes. Although it was not a regularly contested event at international level, it was a promising sign for the Olympics. He also set world records in the 110- and 220-yard freestyle events.
At the Olympics, Monckton was the fastest qualifier in the heats and semifinal, but was upstaged in the final by teammate David Theile.
Monckton again led the qualifying in the heats and semifinals. However, in the final, he misjudged the turn and broke a finger.
Monckton continued competing in the hope of reaching a third Olympics in 1964, but retired after his performances began to deteriorate. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1999.