Dawn Fraser Back In the Pool As She Faces The Greatest Challenge Of Her Life
Olympic legend Dawn Fraser has revealed that doctors told her “she could die” on the operating table following a fall at her Noosa home last December as she takes to the pool again for her greatest challenge.
The 87-year-old four-time Olympic champion has been fitted with a pacemaker after a feinting episode – the heart that took her to the top of the world – momentarily stopped beating.
Named the Swimmer of the Century, Dawn has appeared on Australian television in an exclusive interview – with vision of the three-time Olympic 100m freestyle gold medallist back in the pool on the Queensland Sunshine Coast – therapy for her post operative hip surgery and heart scare.
Demonstrating that famous stroke that took her to three consecutive Olympic 100m freestyle gold medals in 1956, 1960 and 1964.
“Our Dawn” in her happy place as she turns the clock back, rehabbing from a frightening fall that resulted in four broken ribs and a broken hip – and dealing with the prospect that she may die on the operating table.
“The doctor said I could die. It wasn’t a safe operation…that was the frightening part…that I might die under anesthetic, and I didn’t want to die that way…” Dawn told Ten Eyewitness News, comforted by her daughter Dawn Lorraine and grandson Jackson.
“So I wasn’t going to give in…especially away from my family.”
Dawn surviving the operation but later suffering a feinting episode – subsequently fitted with a pacemaker which is monitored remotely 24 hours a day.
“I started to feel very feint and then I feinted, and they said my heart had stopped for five seconds and I had a very low heart rate,” said Dawn, who also struggled with depression, losing 22 kilos in weight, told she is not to drive anymore and that she must slow down.
“I’m back in water and doing exercises I used to do when I was training, and it kept me going. It is very important for your health and for my family too.”
Dawn knowing that being back in the pool is the best tonic she could have as the Olympic golden girl races the clock again in the fight of her life.
And as frail as she may be, one thing is certain, Dawn Fraser isn’t going to miss next month’s World Championship Swimming Trials in Adelaide.
She is planning on being on pool deck to cheer on the current day champions…also saying that the Brisbane 32 Olympic Games isn’t out of the question.
“I hope so..I’ll be 95 then..” said Dawn.
