Aussie pool queen Lani Pallister sends heartfelt message to godmother Dawn Fraser after sporting icon’s surgery
- Lani Pallister sent a heartfelt message to Dawn Fraser
- Dawn Fraser is the godmother of Olympic champion
- Fraser, 87, has fallen and is recovering in hospital
Lani Pallister will remember godmother Dawn Fraser at the Short Course World Championships, admitting the sporting icon’s health scare was ‘terrifying’.
Olympic gold medalist Pallister will headline the Australian team in Budapest, with her likely final showdown in the 400m freestyle against Canadian youngster Summer McIntosh on Wednesday morning (AEDT) looming as the highlight of the competition.
Pallister won four gold medals at the 2022 Short Course World Championships in Melbourne, announcing herself as a star of the sport.
Fraser joined her on stage to celebrate that success.
Now the swimming legend is in hospital on the Sunshine Coast as she recovers from a hip replacement and four broken ribs during last week’s fall.
Pallister and her mother Janelle, who is in Budapest as a coach, released a statement expressing their “deep sincere concern about Dawn’s recent incident.”
Lani Pallister has spoken of her ‘genuine concern’ for godmother Dawn Fraser
The Olympic gold medalist says Fraser is a special part of her life
“Hearing of her fall was both stressful and frightening given the relationship we share,” they said.
“Dawn is not only an extraordinary athlete and icon, she is an incredibly special part of our lives, and her well-being is always in our thoughts, regardless of any injuries or illnesses she may face.
“We are relieved to hear that she is doing well and is receiving the care she needs from her family and hospital staff.”
Fraser’s family released a statement Monday evening, noting that the 87-year-old is “making amazing progress” and is already walking.
“Mum scared the hell out of us… but to see her again today is the best Christmas present we could have asked for,” said Fraser’s daughter Dawn-Lorraine.
‘She’s a tough lady.
‘Big thanks to the doctors and nursing staff.’
Fraser beamed with pride after watching Pallister claim gold in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay final in Paris
Fraser, who won gold in the 100m freestyle at the 1956, 1960 and 1964 Games, is widely regarded as one of the greatest swimmers of all time.
The eight-time Olympic medalist was the first athlete, female or male, to win gold in the same event at three consecutive Olympic Games.
Fraser was named Australian Female Athlete of the Century by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, who also inducted her as their first female member in 1985.