Tribute to Janet French

Masters Swimming Tasmania is saddened by the passing this week of long-time member and friend, Janet French.

Janet enjoyed a distinguished swimming career from a young age. She was a member of the Sandy Bay Club and is mentioned by that Club among a list of champion swimmers in the Fabulous Fifties and then again in the Sizzling Sixties. As a teenager in the late 1950s, she represented Tasmania at the Australian Championships, held multiple Tasmanian records and even earned selection for the Commonwealth Games.

Janet continued her love of swimming over the years, spending time with the Horsham Masters Club while living in Victoria. She joined Masters Swimming Tasmania in 1987, coming out of retirement to compete at the inaugural Australian Masters Games in Devonport. Over the years, she was a valued member of both Hobart Dolphins and Talays clubs.

A familiar face at state, national and international competitions, Janet’s achievements in Masters swimming were outstanding. Between 1987 and 2012, she established an incredible 102 individual Tasmanian records – a testament to her talent, dedication and love of the sport.

More importantly, Janet was a friend to many throughout our Masters swimming family and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Newspaper article in 1987

Winning Relay Team National Aussi Masters Swimming Championships 1991 Janet (left), Mary Cousins, Kath Daft, Brigitte Porter

Our sincere condolences go to Janet’s family and friends.