Australian Olympic team dress worn by Shane Gould
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Designer
Gloria Smythe
Datec 1972
Object number00032961
NameDress
MediumNylon
DimensionsOverall: 820 x 380 x 10 mm, 0.1 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis Australian Olympic team informal dress was produced for the Munich Olympic Games. The short sleeved dress incorporates a collar and belt, and features the 'Southern Cross' fabric pattern designed by Gloria Smythe for the swimming team's swimsuits.
HistoryBorn in Sydney in 1956, Shane Gould became the first woman to win three gold medals in individual swimming events at the same Olympic Games. She was Best Sportswoman of the Year in 1971, and at 14 won five world freestyle records for distances ranging from 100 metres to 1500 metres. At the 1972 Munich Olympics she won five individual medals but retired soon after at the age of 16.SignificanceThe dress was worn by Shane Gould during the Munich Olympics in 1972, and is representative of Olympic clothing designs made by Speedo.