Graham Windeatt

Who is Graham Windeatt?

Graham Claude Windeatt was an Australian long-distance freestyle swimmer of the 1970s, who won a silver medal in the 1500 m freestyle at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

In 1971 as a school student Windeatt broke the men's world 800 metres swimming record in the NSW Combined High Schools Swimming Championships held at North Sydney pool.

Windeatt made his debut at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, where he claimed gold in the 1500 m. In Munich, he was involved in an epic battle with the reigning 1500 m Olympic champion from 1968, the United States' Mike Burton. After leading for 600 m, Burton was passed by Windeatt, before reclaiming the lead in the last 300 m. Later in the Olympics, Windeatt came fourth in the 400 m freestyle. Windeatt also placed seventh in the 400 m individual medley and fifth in the 4x200 m freestyle relay.

Following the Munich Olympic Games he took up a swimming scholarship to the University of Tennessee. During his time at the University he became an All-American and with the team won Conference Championships and placings in National Collegiate championships.

Windeatt was also selected for the 1975 World Championship just missing a medal in the 400m Freestyle and competing in the 200m Freestyle final. The year following he was Australian Swim Team Captain for the 1976 Montreal Olympics.