John Rigby

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameArthur John•Rigby
Used nameJohn•Rigby
Born21 August 1942 in Brisbane, Queensland (AUS)
Died13 June 2022 in Brisbane, Queensland (AUS)
Measurements182 cm / 77 kg
NOC Australia

Biography

John Rigby was an Australian swimmer, coach, surfer, and lifesaver. Rigby was regarded as one of the best swimmers of the late 1950s and 1960s. Rigby won multiple state and national titles in races from 220 yards to 1650 yards. Rigby swam in the 4 × 200 metres freestyle relay at the 1960 Roma Olympics. The Australian team won bronze, but as Rigby did not swim in the final of the race, he was not awarded with a medal.

In 1964 Rigby won the open water swim from Townsville to Magnetic Island. Rigby then went on to win the American Lifeguard Ocean Swimming Championship in Long Island, New York.

Rigby also worked with swimming schools and was involved in pool operations. Rigby built the first indoor heated pool in Brisbane, with the John Rigby Swim School bearing his name. Rigby later worked with Brisbane City Council Pools to lease pools in the Allora area of Queensland.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1960 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) AUS John Rigby
4 × 200 metres Freestyle Relay, Men (Olympic) Australia 3