John Devitt, an Australian champion swimmer who was awarded a gold medal in the showcase race of the 1960 Rome Olympics even though he had a slower time than the runner-up, died on Thursday in Sydney. He was 86.
The Australian Olympic Committee announced his death, saying it came after a long illness.
Devitt was one of Australia’s greatest swimmers, thrilling the home crowds when he won gold and silver medals in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne. He went on to win a bronze medal as well in the 1960 Games. Including relays, he broke 14 world records and won 13 Australian championships.