Dawn Fraser’s 1964 World Record in Swimming

On February 29, 1964, Australian swimmer Dawn Fraser set a new world record in the 100-meter freestyle with a groundbreaking time of 58.9 seconds. This remarkable achievement occurred during an event in Sydney, Australia.

Background

Dawn Fraser, born on September 4, 1937, in Balmain, New South Wales, had already established herself as one of the leading figures in competitive swimming by the early 1960s. She became known for her exceptional prowess in freestyle swimming and was particularly noted for her speed and technique.

Before this 1964 achievement, Fraser had already won gold medals in the 100-meter freestyle at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the 1960 Rome Olympics. Her consistent performance and ability to break world records distinguished her in the international swimming arena.

The Event

Fraser’s world record swim of 58.9 seconds at Sydney was part of her preparation for the Tokyo Olympic Games later that year. Her ability to beat her previous times further cemented her position as the fastest female swimmer in the 100-meter freestyle category at that time. This record was significant not just for its speed but also because it marked one of the first instances a female swimmer completed the 100-meter freestyle in under a minute.

Aftermath and Legacy

In the 1964 Tokyo Olympics later that year, Fraser successfully defended her Olympic title in the 100-meter freestyle, making her the first swimmer in history to win the same Olympic event three consecutive times. Her triumph at the Tokyo Games solidified her status among the sport’s legends.

Dawn Fraser’s contributions to swimming and her influence on sports culture persisted long after her retirement. She was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1965 and continued to be celebrated for her indomitable spirit and groundbreaking achievements in women’s sports.

Her record-setting performance on February 29, 1964, remains a cornerstone of her illustrious career, embodying her relentless pursuit of excellence and her role in transforming competitive swimming on the global stage.