Women's Amateur Swimming Club, A women's race about to start, Manly Baths, 1910-1920.
The Manly Women's Amateur Swimming Club is one of the oldest swimming clubs in Australia. It was founded in 1904, at a time when competitive swimming was largely dominated by men. The club was established with the aim of providing women with an opportunity to compete in swimming events and develop their skills in the sport.
The club was initially formed as the Manly Ladies Amateur Swimming Club, but the name was later changed to the Manly Women's Amateur Swimming Club. The club was based at the Manly Baths, which were one of the most popular swimming locations in Sydney at the time.
In its early years, the club faced many challenges, including opposition from conservative members of the community who believed that women should not participate in competitive sports. However, the club persevered and gradually gained acceptance and recognition for its achievements.
Dawn West, June Pym, Beryl Hosking, Myee Steele, 1940, Ladies' Amateur Swimming Club, courtesy of Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies.
Over the years, the Manly Women's Amateur Swimming Club has produced many outstanding swimmers, including several Australian representatives. The club has also played an important role in promoting women's swimming and providing opportunities for women to compete at all levels of the sport.
Myee Steele, 1938. Myee was born in 1922, and attended Manly Public School. An Empire Games representative in 1938; 440 yards Australian Free Championship, 1939 5 min., 53 sec; Victorian record. 880 yards Australian Free Championship, 1939 - 12 min., 30 sec. Photo from Frank Bell courtesy of Northern Beaches Library Local Studies
Today, the Manly Women's Amateur Swimming Club continues to be a vibrant and active club, with a strong focus on developing swimmers of all ages and abilities. The club has a proud history and remains an important part of the Australian swimming community.
Betty Green 1943, photo from Frank Bell courtesy of Northern Beaches Library Local Studies
