The history of competitive water sports in southern Africa

Rhodesian Aquatics

The history of swimming in the colony records that: The first aquatic meeting in Rhodesia was held in Salisbury in March, 1891 on a stretch of the Makabusi river. The first official body was formed on 1915- the Mashonaland ASA, which also joined the South African body, who had joined FINA in 1909. In 1918 it changed the name to the Rhodesian ASA, and in 1920 entered its first swimmers in the SA championships, held in Durban, where JT Brown of Rhodesia won the mens 100 freestyle. In 1922 Bulawayo hosted the annual SA Championships - then known as the 'Currie Cup', for the famous trophy donated by Sir Donald Currie to the best water polo team.

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Sally Oates, Mike Beale, John Paul Tobbell, Cheryl James, Darryl Smith, Calvin Maughan, Beryl-Jane Henderson, B-J Gillespie, Calvin Maughn, Sandra Townsley, David Dyason, Brian Duguid, Karen Freel, Sharon Tyler, Brendan Beamont, Simon Rachman, Kim Morgan, Mike andreos, Theresa oDea, Grant Lutz, Elizabeth Murray, Liz Nurton, Ross Leech, Lewis Meal

Between 1960 and 1966, Rhodesia won the Ellis Browne Aggregate Trophy every year - beating all the South African provinces at SA Championships. The basis for this run of victory was the strength of Rhodesian diving, while the swimming was also world class. After 1966 the SAASU split diving from swimming, in an attempt to end the Rhodesian dominance. A new trophy - the Hendrik Vervoerd Trophy - was then awarded to Rhodesia for winning the diving section.

From 1971 until Rhodesian independence in 1981, South Africa and Rhodesia competed in annual international test match.

Follow the link on left to Photographs of Rhodesian swimmers and diver.

Rhodesian schools swim teams - a collection of team photos

Some well know champions:

Natalie Steward

She represented Rhodesia at the South African National Championships from 1957 to 1959. In the latter year she showed her amazing versatility by annexing the 100 and 400 yards Freestyle titles, the 100 yard back­stroke and Butterfly events and crowned a fantastic championship by winning the 400 yards individual Medley, The following year saw Natalie reach the peak of her career, succeeding not only in breaking the world 100m Backstroke record, but also annexing six titles at the England A.S.A. Championships. These successes were followed by a Silver Medal in the 100m Backstroke and a Bronze Medal in the 100m Freestyle events at the Rome Olympics.

Don Liebermann

Holds record 12 S.A. Titles. S.A. and Rhodesian Springboard Champion 1967-1975. 1966: Bronze Medal at British 3m Championships. 1968 and 1972: Selected to represent Rhodesia at an Olympic Games, Mexico and Munich.

John Keyter

Eleven S.A. titles 1965-1970. Gold Medallist at S.A. Games 1969 (beat Empire Games Gold Medallist Ron Jacks and Olympic Silver Medallist Martin Woodruff in 100m Butterfly). Held SA. Record in 100m Butterfly, 58.8 sees. Ranked in world top 10 for 1968/69. Rhodesia's Sportsman of the year in 1970.

Robert Hatherley

Nine S.A. titles, 1969-1973. S.A. 100m and 200m Breaststroke record holder, 1.10.2 and 2.33.8. Best 100m time in Geneva 1972, 1.09.7, In 1972 represented Rhodesia at Olympics in Munich.

Rhodesian Records - March 1980

Elizabeth Nurton, Cheryl James, Kathy Miners Smith, Kathy Smith

Vikings contingent of 1977 Currie Cup team at the Beavers Club medal presentation

Terry Wakefield, Trevor Morgan, Debbie Williams, Brian DuGuid, Tom Jones