- Lani Pallister sent a heartfelt message to Dawn Fraser
- Dawn Fraser is the godmother of the Olympic champion
- Fraser, 87, suffered a fall and is recovering in hospital
Lani Pallister will have thoughts on godmother Dawn Fraser at the world short course championships, admitting the sporting icon’s health scare had been “scary”.
Olympic gold medalist Pallister leads Australia’s team in Budapest, where her likely 400m freestyle final showdown against Canadian junior Summer McIntosh on Wednesday morning (AEDT) is shaping up to be the highlight of the meet.
Pallister won four gold medals at the 2022 world short course championships in Melbourne, announcing himself as a star of the sport.
Fraser joined her on the podium to celebrate that success.
Now the swimming legend is in a Sunshine Coast hospital as he recovers from a hip replacement and four broken ribs he suffered in last week’s fall.
Pallister and her mother Janelle, who is in Budapest as a coach, issued a statement expressing their “deep and heartfelt concern over the recent Dawn incident.”
Lani Pallister has spoken of her “sincere concern” for godmother Dawn Fraser
Olympic gold medalist says Fraser is a special part of her life
“Hearing about his fall has been stressful and terrifying, 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 injury or illness she may face.
“We are relieved to know that he is doing well and is receiving the care he needs from his family and the hospital staff.”
Fraser’s family released a statement Monday evening, noting that the 87-year-old is “making amazing progress” and is walking.
“Mum has scared us to death… but seeing her awake today is the best Christmas present we could have asked for,” said Fraser’s daughter, Dawn-Lorraine.
‘She is a tough woman.
“Thank you very much to the doctors and nursing staff.”
Fraser was beaming with pride after watching Pallister win gold in the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay final in Paris.
Fraser, who won gold in the 100-meter freestyle at the 1956, 1960 and 1964 Games, is widely considered one of the greatest swimmers of all time.
The eight-time Olympic medalist was the first athlete, male or female, to win gold in the same event in three consecutive Olympic Games.
Fraser was named Australian Athlete of the Century by the Australian Sports Hall of Fame, who also inducted her as its first female inductee in 1985.