Vale Robyn Nock

Swimming Australia is saddened to hear of the recent passing of Robyn Nock (nee Thorn), Dolphin #146.

Robyn, who did much of her training at the WJ Lang Memorial Olympic Pool in Kingaroy,  was part of the women’s 4x100m relay team that won silver at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Dawn Fraser, Lyn Bell and Janice Murphy were her medal-winning teammates.

It was in the same week that Robyn turned 17 that she wore the Australian cap for the first time at the 1962 Perth Commonwealth Games. She was a part of the world record-breaking women’s 4×110 yard-freestyle team that featured Fraser, Bell and Ruth Everuss.

Robyn also claimed silver in the 110-yard freestyle, finishing behind Fraser.

The Queenslander only started swimming for rehabilitation after falling off a pony and breaking her elbow.

Born and raised in the rural town of Kingaroy, Robyn’s younger sister, Jenny, also became a Dolphin (Dolphin #172), representing Australia at the 1966 Kingston Commonwealth Games.

Robyn told her family that her fondest Olympic memory, apart from the medal, was life in the village and the feeling of friendship and camaraderie with the athletes.

Robyn retired from competitive swimming after the Olympics when she got married and had four daughters.

Almost four decades ago, Robyn relocated to Maroochydore, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, where she enjoyed time with her nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren – and enjoying the occasional swim at Cotton Tree.

Swimming Australia extends its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Robyn Nock.

26/11/1945 – 24/01/2026

Robyn Nock (nee Thorn)

Robyn Nock (centre)  Tokyo Olympics 1964 – Pic: Supplied by Nock Family