Australian swimming icon Don Talbot dead at 87

Tributes have started pouring in after Australia lost a true sporting icon as legendary swimming coach Don Talbot died aged 87.

Don Talbot will be sorely missed.

Legendary Australian swim coach Don Talbot has died aged 87.

Talbot was at the helm as Aussies dominated in the pool during the 1990s and early 2000s and was credited with helping the country achieve so much success.

He started coaching in the 1950s and played a pivotal part in some of Australia’s most successful Olympic campaigns as head coach of the swim team, including the Sydney Games where the Dolphins enjoyed their best medal haul in nearly 30 years.

Talbot was appointed head coach of the Australian swim team for the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, and held the job until 1972 when he moved to take a job in Canada. He also worked in America before the US team boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

The iconic mentor was reappointed as head coach of Australia in 1989 and stayed in the role for 12 years as he helped the men and women in green and gold rake in 18 medals at the Sydney Olympics, including five golds.

Under Talbot’s leadership the Aussies finished atop the medal tally at the 2001 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, with 13 golds. He retired after that meet.

Don Talbot was much-loved in the swimming world.

Talbot is a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and in 1990 was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Swimming Canada posted a tribute on social media, writing: “We are sorry to hear about the passing of Don Talbot. We send our thoughts to his family and friends.”

Former sports journalist Nicole Jeffrey tweeted: “Vale Don Talbot, Australia’s greatest swimming coach and a force of nature. You always knew where you stood with Don — penthouse or outhouse.

“If you worked with him often you experienced both. But his passion & commitment drove Australian swimming to its millennial golden era.

“He was fiercely uncompromising. He demanded the best of everyone he worked with. Sometimes that was tough, but it was also inspiring. Everyone lifted their game around him.”

Talbot was a key reason for Australian swimming’s success.