February 24

On this day in history ...

1934: Willy Den Ouden, of the Netherlands, set the second of her four World records over 100m freestyle in Amsterdam. At the time, global standards could be set in pools of various lengths, including what are now known as short-course (25m) and long-course (50m) pools. Den Ouden set all her standards in short-course pools and held the 100 record in her grip between July 1933 and he dawn of Dawn Fraser as global-pace pioneer 70 years ago this month on February 21, 1956.

1959: Sylvia Ruuska, of the United States, clocked the third of her four World records in the 400m medley. She swam during the first decade of four-stroke medley swimming after the birth of butterfly. There were no medley events at the Olympic Games until 1964, beyond Ruuska's time in the fast lane. The first of her global 400m standards was also the first under new world-record rules that only recognised marks established in long-course, 50m, pools.

Willy Den Ouden - Sprint Swimming Pioneer Who Remains The Youngest Dutch Olympic Medallist

In 1935, Den Ouden held all 10 World freestyle records of the day over distances from 100y to 500m. Her father had beer mats made with the text ‘Willy den Ouden Olympic champion’ on the way to Berlin 1936. He wasn’t wrong - it was just a case of ‘not in the event everyone had in mind’.

State Of Swimming +Craig Lord

February 23

On this day in history ...

1959: John Konrads set the last of his four World records over 400 freestyle, all of them over 440 yards, and three of the four established in Sydney, the other in Melbourne

1960: Dawn Fraser set the 8th of her (and what remains the) record 11 World records in the 100 free: six of those were swum in long-course yards pools, the others in long-course metres pools.

Dawn Fraser - The Balmain Bullet Who Change The Olympic Game In Women’s Sprinting

There are some swimmers in history whose achievements and the tale that goes with them are unparalleled. Dawn Fraser is queen among them.

State Of Swimming +Craig Lord

The Last Lap Of Legend John Konrads Is Done: World Swimming Mourns Passing Of Aussie Distance Great At 78

Obituary - World swimming is mourning the passing John Konrads (21 May 1942 – 25 April 2021), the Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Champion who passed away at the age of 78

State Of Swimming +Craig Lord