Life is worth swimming by Murray Rose
Having not grown up in Australia, the first time I heard of Murray Rose was through his association with Murray Rose’s Malabar Magic ocean swim and all the great work he was doing for children as the Patron of the Rainbow Club.
So last week when I got the chance to watch the ABC’s Australian Story ‘A feeling for the water’ I was completely inspired by his story of Olympic success, his unique training techniques and the way in which he captured the hearts and minds of Australian’s throughout his life.
The greatest swimmer of all time
Often referred to as the ‘greatest swimmer of all time’, Murray Rose won 6 Olympic medals (4 gold), 4 Commonwealth Games medals and held numerous world records during his career.
Murray held a lifelong fascination with Australia’s beach culture, becoming an active member of North Bondi Surf Club and pursuing his passion for ocean swimming.
He sadly passed away in 2012 from acute advanced leukaemia, but he has left a legacy behind and an autobiography which provides an intimate glimpse into the personal journey of an Australian swimming icon.
About the book – Life is Worth Swimming
Life is Worth Swimming is an intimate glimpse into the personal journey of Australian swimming icon Murray Roseóîhis life, his stories and his innermost thoughts. Throughout the book, enchanting imagesóîsome nostalgic, some recent and many from his private collectionóîdocument his life, highlight his words and bring the events described into sharp focus.
Those who lived through the ‘golden era of swimming’ will delight in revisiting Australia’s astonishing achievements and revel in the inside stories – including stories of some highly controversial moments – which could only be shared by someone who was there. Others, who have only heard about this magical era, will discover one of Australia’s greatest sporting heroes, while anyone with a philosophical bent, or anyone who wonders what makes an athlete tick, will find deeper meaning in Murray’s words.
Commenting on sport, focus, philosophy and family, this highly engaging and accessible book provides insight and inspiration not only for athletes but also for anyone who has ever pondered life’s important questions.
It’s a fascinating read and I recommend it to anyone looking for inspiration in life’s challenges in and out of the water.
I think Murray Rose was the greatest swimmer of the 20th Century. From 1955 to 1964, he was the best or one of the best middle distance swimmer, establishing his first world records in 1956, the last ones in 1964. He was also a master tactician in the water, and won mainly in 1960 races in front of swimmers supposedly faster than him.