Murray Rose

Murray Rose was a triple gold medalist at the 1956 Games; he won the 400 and 1,500 metre freestyle and was a member of the world record breaking team in the 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay. After the Melbourne Games Rose enrolled at the University of Southern California and at the 1960 Olympics, he retained his 400 metres title, won silver in the 1,500 metres, and a bronze in the relay. His total of six Olympic medals would surely have been greater but for the fact that he was not selected for the 1964 Games as he refused to return from California for the Australian Championships, the qualifying meet. Earlier in the year Rose had set world records for 880 yards and 1,500 metres and would certainly have been a medal contender in Tokyo. During his career he set 15 world records, 9 in individual events, with two at 400 metres, one at 800 metres, and two at 1,500 metres, over currently recognized events. His international career ended at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, when he won four gold medals, in the 400 and 1,500 freestyles, and two in relay events. Rose continued to enjoy competitive swimming long after his Olympic career was over and in 1981 he won the World Masters title in faster times than he recorded at the 1956 Games. A vegan, Rose was often called The Seaweed Streak for what was then an unusual diet. He settled in the United States where he worked in movies and the television industry and managing a company which sold nutritional supplements, but he eventually returned to live in his native Australia. In 1983 Rose was elected by his peers as Australia’s greatest male Olympian.