Dawn Lorraine Fraser (born 4 September 1937) is an Australian freestyle champion swimmer and former politician. She is one of only three swimmers to have won the same Olympic event three times - in her case the women's 100-metre freestyle. Fraser was born in the Sydney suburb of Balmain, New South Wales in 1937 into a poor working-class family, the youngest of eight children. Her father, Kenneth Fraser, was from Embo, Scotland. She was spotted at the early age of 14 by Sydney coach Harry Gallagher swimming at the local sea baths. Within Australia, she is often known for her controversial behaviour and larrikin character as much as for her athletic ability. Show less «