The Cairns Post

Swim legend Dawn Fraser checked out the Alice Springs pool yesterday and said. It looks a long way to the end. Picture: JUSTIN BRIERTY

Dawn bids for record - She wants to share glory

Rebecca Lollback

03Jul08

OLYMPIC swimming legend Dawn Fraser is aiming for a new world record at this year's Masters Games in Alice Springs.

And she wants Alice Springs swimmers for her relay team.

Dawn has not swum competitively since the 1986 Masters Games. But she has her sights set on a world record for the 50m freestyle in the 70-74 age group. And she will also compete in the relay.

She said: ``It would be really great to have some Alice Springs people on my relay team.

``In particular I'm looking for a male butterfly swimmer, so I'll be checking out all the entries that come in.''

Dawn's Masters 50m record of 32.49 seconds was broken in 2006. Since then the Masters games patron has thought a lot about returning to the pool.

She said: ``When I look down the pool it seems like a very long way. But I've got 100 days to get fit, even though I know it will be a bit of a challenge.

``My grandson has really inspired me to do this. My family will cheer me on.''

Dawn said Masters Games is growing in popularity. She said: ``For the first Masters we had about 500 people, but now we have about 5000 competitors.

``It's good fun. Masters Games bring a lot of people back into sport and give older people the opportunity to compete.

``And I just love Alice Springs. I like the atmosphere and the people.''

Central Australia Minister Rob Knight said it was ``fantastic'' that Alice would host Dawn's comeback. He said: ``I'd love to see her break the record.''

Dawn said: ``I started training last week but I picked up a cold, so the doctor ordered me to rest.''

The Alice Masters are from October 11 to 18.