21 Mar 2019
Our special guest for Ocean Swim Fiji 2019 can finally be revealed – Shane Gould! Shane Gould is a living legend, simple as that. As one of Australia’s greatest sporting talents ever, Shane has carved her place in history as the only female swimmer to win five individual medals in a single Olympics (including 3 gold!), as well as the only swimmer in history to hold all freestyle world records at the same time. To really top off her long list of achievements, Shane was the winner of Australian Survivor last year and runs swimming and safety programmes in Fiji!
From her epic achievements as an Olympian and Commonwealth Games athlete, to her world records, enormous contribution to communities and charities, as well as being popular author, here’s the super impressive low-down on Shane…
Shane is still the only woman ever to win five individual medals, all in world record times, at an Olympic Games, plus she holds two Commonwealth records. She is the only swimmer in history to hold all freestyle world records at the same time and between 1971 and 1973 Shane broke 11 world records in six different events.
Along with her husband Milt (world-class swim coach), Shane spends a lot of time in Fiji and runs a charitable swimming project aimed at improving skills and safety amongst young Fijians – you can take a look at it here.
Tumble Turns, Shane’s bestselling autobiography is a hugely popular book, and she also authored Fit for 50. Shane studied at the University of Tasmania doing a Masters of Environmental Management. Her thesis investigated the social uses and functions of public swimming pools. In 2018 she was crowned the winner of Australian Survivor! To keep fit Shane loves to surf, ride horses and compete occasionally in mature-age ocean and pool races.
When you sign up for Ocean Swim Fiji 2019, your experience is about to get even better, thanks to Shane and Milt joining us. Here’s what we have in store…
At our Welcome Function Shane will share a bit about herself as part of our formalities and you’ll have your chance to ask Shane any burning questions you may have after her motivational speech to us all
Shane and Milt will be running a swim masterclass at our Tivua Island event, where you can learn the top techniques that will help you have a more efficient and enjoyable swim. Milt has trained Ian Thorpe so you’re in for some top-notch tips! Milt will also be running an extra masterclass at our Natadola Beach event.