John Devitt in training at the Tobruk Baths in Townsville, Queensland
Date1958-1960
Object numberANMS1392[032]
NamePhotograph
MediumBlack and white print
DimensionsOverall: 211 x 156 mm
Copyright© John Konrads
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionBlack and white photograph showing John Devitt standing on a diving block, hands behind him, ready to dive at the Tobruk Baths in Townsville, Queensland. He was part of the training camp for the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.HistoryJohn Devitt was an Australian swimmer wining gold, a silver, and a bronze medal in Olympic competition, three gold medals at the 1958 Cardiff British Empire and Commonwealth Games, broke 14 world records (four individual), and won 13 Australian championships (three individual).
At the 1960 Rome Olympic Games Devitt found himself at the centre of controversy after racing in the 100m freestyle final. A tight finish saw judges conflicted over first place, Devitt or American swimmer Lance Larson. They awarded, though not unanimously, the gold to Devitt and accepted a new Olympic record. The American team launched an official protest and additional protests to the IOC carried on over the following years. Such was the uproar that electronic timing was introduced in swimming events.
Devitt was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1979 and made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to swimming and sports administration in 1989.SignificanceImage part of the John Konrads collection that provides a fresh perspective on competitive swimming. Original photographs taken by Konrads in training camps and in competition, alongside the public images of swimming champions of the era. It provides an insight into the competitive touring and training regimes of the era.
