Dawn Fraser is a legend of Australian swimming. At the zenith of her career, she held 39 records and won eight Olympic medals for Australia, including four gold. She captured six Commonwealth Games gold medals, and dominated the high profile 100 metres freestyle event, holding the record for 15 years between 1956 and 1972. She is the first of only four swimmers in Olympic history to have won individual gold medals for the same event at three successive Olympics. In 1962, she became the first woman to swim the 100 metres freestyle in less than one minute setting the record of 59.9.
Yet to me, she is a even bigger legend for this speech she gave just today, almost 70 years after she first gained prominence:
Eight-time Australian Olympic medallist swimmer Dawn Fraser speaking out passionately in support of the Jewish community, and against antisemitism and those fomenting it. It is pretty clear she thinks the anti Israel protesters should bugger off! pic.twitter.com/bQd0gQGZAX
— David Lange (@Israellycool) January 4, 2026
Hearing her voice today, it’s clear that Dawn Fraser never stopped swimming against the current. At a time when too many public figures stay silent, hedge, or appease the mob, Dawn Fraser has chosen to stand with the Jewish community and against the hatemongers who pretend they are only “critical of Israel.”
A legend in the water, but a giant on the land.
And thankfully, she is not entirely alone when it comes to Australian sports stars and former sports stars speaking out for the Jewish community.
