Swimming in the Yarra
Norman Barry, well known dairyman in Port, was also a swimmer. He trained with the Port boys between the Piers. He swam in the 3 mile ‘Race to Princes Bridge’ in 1928 and finished in 1 hour, 40 minutes and 13 seconds.
He was awarded a certificate illustrated by Percy Lindsay from the famous Lindsay family.
The swimming race was discontinued because of concerns about pollution.
There is renewed interest in reviving river swimming in Melbourne and around the world.
Thanks to Helen Barry for this story and the certificate
Sources and further information
“Australia. A Swimming Contest ‘Wholesale’. 549 of both sexes, compete in Annual 3 mile race in the Yarra River – one of Australia’s most noted sporting events!” http://youtu.be/wfMpqBOs_F0
Race to Princes Bridge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
accessed 26 02 2015
emelbourne The City Past and Present Swimming and Diving http://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM01457b.htm
Reviving the race on a cleaner Yarra River
http://www.theage.com.au/national/people/reviving-the-race-on-a-cleaner-yarra-river-20150220-13j6rs.html accessed 26 02 2015
2 Comments
Joy Lawton
I have two of those above certificates obtained by my Auntie when she swam in the 3 mile swim which were nearly thrown away, but now hang proudly on my wall
David Thompson
You can’t beat history with a family connection!