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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. 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.
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.
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.
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