Barbara McAulay facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Barbara McAulay

Barbara McAulay, 1952
Personal information
Birth name	Barbara Ethel McAulay
Born	15 March 1929 Victoria, Australia
Died	5 November 2020 (aged 91)
Sport
Country	Australia
Event(s)	3m springboard, 10m platform
Team	Australian Commonwealth Games team, Australian Olympic team
Partner	Tom Donnet (d. 1978)
Retired	2016
Medal record Representing  Australia Women's Diving British Empire and Commonwealth Games Gold 1954 Vancouver 10m platform Silver 1954 Vancouver 3m springboard

Barbara Ethel McAulay Donnet (born March 15, 1929 – died November 5, 2020) was a talented Australian diver. She was a champion who competed in big events like the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1954 and the Olympic Games in Melbourne in 1956.

Barbara McAulay's Diving Career

Barbara McAulay showed her amazing diving skills at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, Canada. She won a gold medal in the 10-meter platform event. She also earned a silver medal in the 3-meter springboard, finishing second to another great diver, Phyllis Long.

Later, at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, Barbara continued to compete at a high level. She placed 13th in the 3-meter springboard and 14th in the 10-meter platform.

From Diver to Coach

After her competitive diving career, Barbara McAulay became a professional diver. In 1957, she toured the United States with the Water Follies, a show featuring diving performances.

When she returned to Australia, Barbara and her husband, Tom Donnet, started teaching swimming and diving in Melbourne. They also traveled around Victoria, holding special clinics and shows to teach others about diving.

After Tom passed away in 1978, Barbara took over their elite diving program. For 16 years, she trained many divers who went on to compete in major international events. Her students competed in World Age Championships, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and even the Olympic Games.

Barbara herself became a respected coach at major events. She was a coach at the Commonwealth Games in 1982 and 1990. She also coached at the 1992 Olympic Games. Barbara continued to coach diving until she retired in 2016.

About Barbara's Family

Barbara McAulay married Tom Donnet, who was also an Olympic diving coach. They had two daughters who became successful divers.

Their daughter, Jenny Donnet, competed in four Olympic Games. Their other daughter, Barbi Donnet, also represented Australia at world-level diving competitions.

Barbara McAulay passed away on November 5, 2020, at the age of 91.