Australian Olympic legend Dawn Fraser is on the mend after undergoing emergency surgery for a hip replacement following a fall. The 87-year-old icon, renowned for her historic achievements in the pool, also sustained four broken ribs during the incident, which occurred at her daughter Dawn-Lorraine’s home on the Sunshine Coast.
Fraser, who is celebrated as one of the greatest swimmers of all time, made history by claiming gold in the 100m freestyle at three consecutive Olympic Games (1956, 1960, and 1964). Her pioneering spirit also saw her become the first woman to swim the 100m freestyle in under a minute.
Following her fall, Fraser was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery last Thursday. By Monday, she was already back on her feet, demonstrating the same resilience and determination that defined her athletic career.
Family friend Ian Hanson shared updates on Fraser’s progress, revealing that she has been walking through the hospital with characteristic grit and determination. “Dawn is already making amazing progress,” he said, adding that her doctors have been urging her to take things slowly.
Hanson offered Fraser some motivational words during a recent conversation, likening her recovery journey to the final lap of a race. “I told her to hit the last turn and finish strong. Dawn responded with her usual spirit, saying she’s ‘on the way home.’”
Fraser’s daughter, Dawn-Lorraine, expressed relief at her mother’s recovery progress, calling it “the best Christmas present we could have asked for.” She extended her gratitude to the medical team, saying, “The doctors and nurses have been incredible. We can’t thank them enough.”
Support and well-wishes have poured in from across the sporting community. Lani Pallister, an Olympic gold medallist and Fraser’s goddaughter, expressed her relief, calling Fraser “an extraordinary athlete, icon, and a very special part of our lives.”
Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse described Fraser as “a living treasure” and wished her a speedy recovery, reflecting the nation’s collective admiration for the trailblazer.
Fraser’s influence extends far beyond her sporting achievements. With eight Olympic medals (four gold and four silver) and an enduring legacy as the first swimmer to win the same event at three consecutive Games, she has remained a steadfast figure in Australian sport.
Her career was not without controversy. She was infamously banned from competing in the 1968 Olympics for defying the Australian Swimming Union, marching in the Tokyo opening ceremony, and allegedly stealing an Olympic flag. Yet, these acts of defiance only solidified her status as a fearless competitor and national treasure.
Dawn Fraser is a very determined and strong woman and I’m sure she’ll recover soon all the best wishes for speedy recovery 🙏