Des Renford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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|---|---|
| Born | August 25, 1927 Sydney, Australia |
| Died | December 30, 1999 (aged 72) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Swimming |
Desmond Robert Renford, often called Des Renford, was an amazing Australian long-distance swimmer. He was born on August 25, 1927, and passed away on December 30, 1999. Des was famous for swimming the English Channel an incredible 19 times! For many years, this was the most Channel crossings by an Australian. He was even known as the "King of the Channel" for a while.
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Des Renford's Swimming Journey
Des Renford started marathon swimming when he was 39 years old. This shows it's never too late to follow your dreams! He was born on the same day, 52 years later, that Matthew Webb made the very first Channel swim in 1875.
Channel Swimming Achievements
Des Renford swam the English Channel 19 times. This was a record for an Australian swimmer for a long time. In 1980, he even swam the Channel three times in just 10 days! This shows how strong and determined he was.
Other Amazing Swims
In 1977, Des Renford broke a record by swimming around Alcatraz Island. He finished 23 minutes faster than the previous record holder. This was another incredible achievement for him.
Mentoring Young Swimmers
Des Renford was also a mentor to other swimmers. He helped Susie Maroney when she was just 15 years old. He guided her during her first time swimming the English Channel.
Awards and Recognition
Des Renford received several important awards for his swimming and his contributions.
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
In 1976, Des Renford was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This is a special award given by the Queen to people who have done great things for their country.
Papal Knight
He was also a Papal knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. This is an honor given by the Pope.
Sport Australia Hall of Fame
In 1998, Des Renford was recognized for his amazing career. He was added to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. This means he is considered one of Australia's greatest sports heroes.
Legacy of Des Renford
Des Renford faced some health challenges later in life. He passed away on December 30, 1999, after a heart attack while swimming. His wife, Patie, and their three sons were with him.
To honor his memory, a swimming pool in Sydney was renamed the Des Renford Aquatic Centre on March 1, 2000. This center helps keep his legacy alive and inspires new generations of swimmers.
