Faith Leech

Faith Leech (1941 to 2013) was an Australian freestyle swimmer who won a gold medal in the 4x100 metre freestyle relay and a bronze medal in the 100 metre freestyle at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. A tall, lean swimmer known for her elegant technique, she took up swimming as a child to build strength after infant stomach disorders and broke many age group records. In 1955 she became the youngest swimmer to win an Australian title, taking the 110 yard freestyle at thirteen. Illness disrupted her preparation, but she gained selection, produced a late surge for bronze in the individual event and swam the second leg of the relay that won in world record time. She retired at fifteen, citing anxiety about racing.