Australia's oldest Olympian Forbes Carlile dies at 95

International Swimming Hall of Famer Carlile was the only Australian to have featured at the Olympics as a coach before taking part as an athlete.

Published : Sep 03, 2016 09:46 IST

The Australian flag.
The Australian flag.
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The Australian flag.

Australia's oldest Olympian Forbes Carlile has passed away, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) announced on Tuesday. After three weeks in hospital, legendary Australian Carlile died aged 95.

International Swimming Hall of Famer Carlile was the only Australian to have featured at the Olympics as a coach before taking part as an athlete.

Australia's first Olympian to compete in  modern pentathlon in 1952 and youngest Games coach in 1948, Carlile coached the country's swimming team at the showpiece event in 1956.

As a coach, Carlile helped Australia to 12 Olympic medals, including five individual golds.

"The passing of Forbes Carlile is incredibly sad and our thoughts are with his wife Ursula," said AOC Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller, just days out from the Rio Games.

"He was a true legend in Australian Olympic history as both an athlete and a coach. He was Australia's first-ever Olympian in modern pentathlon and it was a true honour to know him.

"Just four weeks ago at the annual Kaplya Club [Helsinki Olympic reunion] he was asking me about the pentathlon event in Rio and he retained a keen interest and knowledge in the sport and the Olympics.

"Forbes will be very sadly missed by many."

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