July 17

Peter Tonkin, a former Olympic Swimming Champion who now manages the newly constructed Halls Creek Swimming Pool along with his partner Jo Godfrey. Peter and Jo hosted a special breakfast for the team and told us all about their hopes and dreams for providing recreational services for all the children in the community.

At the age of just 15 Peter qualified as a brest stroke swimmer for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and went onto win a bronze medal for Australia in the 100m-medley relay. Peter's personnel best time for the 100m was 69 seconds and 30 seconds for the 50m, fast times in their day, but now eclipsed by the present generation of swimmers.

For the past 40 years Peter has been swimming instructor at both the elite and community level and has managed numerous pools and recreation centres right across the country.

Since moving to Northern Australia, Peter has worked tirelessly teaching swimming to children in many remote indigenous communities across the Top End.

In addition to being and teacher Peter is also a mentor, taking a very keen interest in the wellbeing and development of the children who come to the pool, he knows most by name, and he and Jo are continually organising games and activities, creating a joyous and vibrant atmosphere for all.

Just last year Peter was honoured by Swimming Australia for his lifetime of service to the swimming fraternity and today we felt it only fitting to honour Peter with the World Harmony Run Torchbearer Award, for his outstanding service to the world family.