Australian Story

The Olympic Spirit (21x28)

Udgivelsesdato: Aug 08, 2016

With hopes high for success at Rio, this program marks the 60th anniversary of Australia's greatest-ever Olympics and celebrates the swimmer who inspired generations of Olympians. Murray Rose became a national hero at the age of 17, after winning three gold medals at the Olympic Games in Melbourne in 1956. But he was much more than just a fast swimmer. To many, he embodied the Olympic spirit. It was Murray Rose's interests outside the pool that initially set him apart. He was a vegetarian and a follower of Eastern and other philosophies long before it became fashionable. His style was tactical, and he had an uncanny ability to out-think and "out-psych" his opponents. But there was more to his fame than simply winning gold. His victory in the 1500 metres freestyle in 1956 became a symbol of international friendship when he embraced the silver medallist, the Japanese swimmer Tsuyoshi Yamanaka, at a time when the world was still recovering from the ravages of World War II. Murray Rose maintained his Olympic spirit throughout his life, renowned for his generosity and expertise in helping future champions.