Dawn Fraser’s family say the swimming legend “scared the daylights out of us” after falling at her daughter’s home on the Sunshine Coast last week.
Fraser, 87, suffered four broken ribs and a gashed arm in the incident on Wednesday.
WATCH THE VIDE ABOVE: Olympic legend injured in fall.
The three-time Olympic champion and eight-time medalist also had emergency hip replacement surgery on Thursday and is making “amazing” progress.
“Mum has scared the daylights out of us but to see her up and about today is the best Christmas present we could have asked for. She is one tough lady,” daughter Dawn-Lorraine said on Monday.
“Huge thanks to the doctors and nursing staff who have been amazing. I can’t thank them enough.
“They could not be happier with Mum’s progress.”
Fraser is already getting out of bed by herself and “walking too far”, with doctors stunned by her progress but keen to limit her steps while she recovers.
She was moved out of intensive care on Monday and will remain in hospital as her rehabilitation continues.
Swimming Australia said it was wishing the pool icon a smooth recovery.
“Dawn is an Australian living treasure – an icon of our sport – and we wish her a speedy, healthy and full recovery,” chief executive Rob Woodhouse said.
‘Olympic legend’
The Australian Olympic Committee described Fraser as an “Olympic legend”.
“She has continued to give back to the sport for decades. We wish her the best in her recovery,” committee chief executive Matt Carroll said.
Fraser won a total of eight Olympic medals and held the world record in the 100m freestyle for 15 years.
One of Australia’s greatest-ever Olympians, Fraser dominated the 100m freestyle to be one of only four swimmers to win the same individual event three times, the first coming in Melbourne in 1956.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/swimming/dawn-frasers-family-reveals-swimming-legends-significant-injuries-in-fall-on-sunshine-coast-c-17028762
