Legendary Australian swimmer John Devitt passes away after battle with illness
John Devitt, an Olympic champion during Australia’s golden era in the pool, has passed away aged 86.
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Tributes are flowing in for legendary Australian swimmer John Devitt, who has died after a long illness.
A double Olympic champion in one of Australia’s golden eras in the pool, Devitt passed away in Sydney on Thursday, aged 86.
Devitt won his first gold medal as a member of the Australian men’s 4x200m freestyle relay at Melbourne in 1956.
He won his second in the individual 100m freestyle at Rome in 1960 in what remains one of the most controversial finishes in Olympic history.
It was the last Olympics where electronic timing was not used to decide the outcome of swimming races so confusion reigned when Devitt and his American rival Lance Larson reached the finish wall at the same time.
Of the six judges who decided the outcome, three believed the Australian had won while the other three thought Larson was the victor.
Both swimmers were given identical times but Devitt was declared the winner and presented with the gold medal, prompting four years of unsuccessful protests from the Americans.
Swimming legend Dawn Fraser, a teammate of Devitt in 1956 and 1960, led the tributes, saying: “He was a great bloke who set an example for us all.
“All those members of the 1956 Team remained the closest of friends and we have stayed in touch over the years. John was just a fantastic team member. I will miss him very much.”
Devitt also won three gold medals at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff and held the 100m freestyle world record from 1957 to 1961.
Inducted into Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1986, Devitt had a long career in sports administration after he hung up his goggles.
He served as president of Swimming Australia and a long-time executive of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).
“John has made an enormous contribution to the Australian Olympic movement and Australian sport in many varied ways. Twice an Olympic champion, a holder of world records, an Executive member and Vice President and a Life Member. He embodied the Olympic spirit,” AOC president Ian Chesterman said.
“He provided great leadership to many. Always calm and considered, he provided support to many younger administrators, encouraging them to forge a pathway and make a difference.”
IOC Vice President John Coates, a long-term associate and friend of Devitt, hailed him as a man of great integrity.
“I know of no other Olympic Champion who cared for his sport and the Olympic movement like John,” Coates said.
“And no other sports administrator with the integrity and high principles that were John’s hallmark.
“John was my most loyal Vice President and Deputy Chef de Mission and so highly regarded by his swimmers and the other athletes who were always his focus.”
Originally published as Legendary Australian swimmer John Devitt passes away after battle with illness
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