Lorraine Crapp

Lorraine Joyce Thurlow, born on 1 October 1938, is a celebrated former Olympic swimming champion who proudly represented Australia. She made history as the first woman to break the five-minute barrier in the 400 m freestyle, a remarkable achievement that solidified her place in the annals of world swimming.

Raised in Jervis Bay, Lorraine displayed her swimming prowess from a young age, becoming a competent swimmer by the age of five. After moving to Mortlake, she joined the Cabarita Swimming Club, where she dominated her age group events in freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke by the age of twelve. Her talent was evident early on, as she earned a spot on the New South Wales team for the Australian Championships in 1952, finishing second to Olympian Judy Davis.

In 1956, Lorraine's career reached new heights when she broke 17 world records, becoming the first Australian swimmer to hold world records in all freestyle distances simultaneously. Notably, on 25 August 1956, she shattered the five-minute barrier in the 400 m freestyle, clocking an astonishing four minutes and forty-seven point two seconds. Her Olympic journey began that same year, where she won two gold medals and one silver medal, further establishing her legacy in the sport.

Throughout her illustrious career, Lorraine set a total of twenty-three world records and claimed nine Australian championship titles. She was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1972 and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1986. In recognition of her contributions to swimming and the community, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1998 and received the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.

As of November 2023, Lorraine Crapp continues to be honored for her achievements, having been inducted into the Swimming Australia Hall of Fame. Her legacy as one of the nine 'Legends' of the Path of Champions at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre remains a testament to her extraordinary impact on the sport.