Manly Amateur Swimming Club

The Manly Amateur Swimming Club has a long and proud history dating back to 1902, when it was founded by a group of local swimming enthusiasts in the beachside suburb of Manly, located on the northern beaches of Sydney, Australia. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious swimming clubs in Australia and has been a fixture of the Manly community ever since.

 From the outset, the club was focused on promoting the sport of swimming in the local community, and encouraging young people to get involved in the sport. In the early years, the club held regular swimming competitions and events at Manly Beach, and quickly gained a reputation for producing talented swimmers.

Date1915 Description Names on photograph. State championships 1914-1915. courtesy of Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies.

The Manly Amateur Swimming Club has a long and storied history, with many notable achievements over the years. In addition to producing successful swimmers, the club has been instrumental in promoting the sport of swimming in Australia and providing opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and compete at a high level.

Datec 1922, Billy Herald, Jack Brown, Geoff Wyld, Norman Smith, Chev Crackanthorp at Manly Baths aka  Manly Olympic Pool, East Esplanade (N.S.W.)Manly Amateur Swimming Club (N.S.W.) - Membership courtesy of Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies.

Manly Ladies Amateur Swimming club, 1925.

L to R: Petty Moore, ? Ellis, ? Ellis, Thelma Bird, Lorna Wellings, Flossie Miller (Lady Murdoch), Doris Apps, Josie Sheidow, Gwen Abbot, Beryl Walpole, Marjorie Morgan, courtesy of Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies.

The club has produced many notable swimmers over the years, including Olympic gold medalists Andrew "Boy" Charlton and Murray Rose. The club has also been a training ground for many other successful Australian swimmers, including Ian Thorpe, Grant Hackett, and Susie O'Neill.One of the most notable swimmers to emerge from the Manly club in the early years was Cecil Healy, who went on to win a gold medal as part of the Australian 4x200m freestyle relay team at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden.

Welcoming home the Manly Swimmers from the 10th Olympic Games Paris, France, October 1924. Nick Winter (1st, Hop-Step-Jump), Andrew "Boy" Charlton (1st, 1500 metres), Ernie Henry (Swimming), Ossie Merrett(Manager), Dick Eve (1st, High swing). 10th Olympic Gamesheld in Paris, France, courtesy of Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the Manly club continued to produce top-level swimmers, including Andrew "Boy" Charlton, who won two gold medals at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, and Murray Rose, who won a total of four gold medals at the 1956 and 1960 Summer Olympics.

Date1933, Standing:J. Scott, E.P. Smith.Sitting:N.P. Ryan (Captain), S.V. Herford (Vice Captain) - winners 880 yard steam championship of N.S.W.SubjectsSmith, E.P.Herford, S.Scott, J.Ryan, NoelManly Amateur Swimming Club (N.S.W.) - MembershipSwimmers - New South Wales - Manly, courtesy of Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies.

In addition to producing successful swimmers, the Manly Amateur Swimming Club has played a key role in the development of swimming as a sport in Australia. The club has been a leader in promoting the importance of swimmer safety, and has been instrumental in the establishment of swimming facilities and programs throughout the country.

 Date1966 L-R: Ron Rooke, Ian Redfern, Greg Lloyd, G. Wilson (missing), T. Cox, Lee Burns, Tim Bennett, Phil Webb, Peter Easson, Doug Clues. Freestyle champions 1965-6. Courtesy of Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies.

Today, the Manly Amateur Swimming Club remains a major force in Australian swimming, with a strong focus on developing young talent and helping athletes achieve their full potential. The club continues to be a source of pride for the local community and a symbol of the rich sporting heritage of the Manly area.