Where Freestyle Swimming REALLY Comes From

You probably know the names of famous freestyle swimmers - whether it’s Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, Ian Thorpe or Dawn Fraser. But do you know where the ‘freestyle’ swimming stroke actually comes from? It turns out it all started at a swimming carnival at Sydney’s Bronte Beach back in 1901…

In this episode of No One Saw It Coming, Marc Fennell (Stuff the British Stole, Mastermind) goes on a journey to discover the incredible story of Alick Wickham, a young Solomon Islander who had no idea of the impact he would make on the swimming world. Along the way he meets sports historian Gary Osmond and a relative of Alick Wickham, journalist Dorothy Wickham.

This is a story of success against the odds, during the era of Australia’s racist White Australia policy, and of the importance of remembering and acknowledging the true Pacific roots of the world’s most popular swimming style. 

You can learn more about the Roviana Lagoon Festival HERE. 

Get in touch:

Got a story for us? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]