The family of Dawn Fraser has confirmed the Olympic swimming legend has undergone hip replacement surgery after a fall six days ago.
Former Swimming Australia media manager and family friend, Ian Hanson, told the ABC Dawn broke her hip and four ribs in a fall at her daughter’s home on the Sunshine coast last Wednesday.
He said the 87-year-old was already up and walking again after undergoing emergency surgery last Thursday.
“She greeted family and friends today with a smile, determined to get out of bed by herself and walking through the hospital with all of her grit and determination that made her one of the all-time greats of Olympic sport,” he said.
She has been supported throughout the ordeal by her daughter, Dawn-Lorraine and grandson, Jackson.
When Mr Hanson spoke to Dawn on Monday, he reportedly told her: “I heard you’ve been having a bit of a rough trot. I want you to make sure that you hit this last turn and bring in the six-beat kick and get off that turn as hard as you can.”
In true Olympic champion spirit, Dawn replied, “I’ve come off the turn, Hanso, and I’m on the way home.”
One of Australia’s greatest ever Olympians, Dawn dominated the 100m freestyle event and is one of just four swimmers to win the same individual event three times.
