1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games Swimming

The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games were a pivotal moment in the history of the event, particularly in the swimming and diving disciplines. Held at the newly constructed QEII Park Aquatic Centre, these Games brought together some of the finest aquatic athletes from across the Commonwealth, resulting in thrilling competitions, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments of sportsmanship.

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Swimming: World-class Swimming and Diving Pool

The swimming events at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games were fiercely contested in the Henderson Pool, with athletes from Australia, Canada, and England emerging as the dominant forces in the pool. The West Auckland Swimming Centre in the Borough of Henderson was opened in December 1988.

The main pool is 50m by 21.5m with 8 lanes. The diving pool is 5m deep with one-metre and three-metre high spring boards and a diving tower with platforms at 1,3,5,7.5 and 10m high. The facility also included a 25m warm-up pool. During the Games, the complex had seating for more than 3,500 spectators and 400 swimmers and officials.

The Commonwealth Games competition featured 34 events, including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and medley races, across various distances.

Australian Excellence

Australia’s swimming team was the standout of the Games, securing an impressive 21 gold medals.

The team was led by seasoned champions like Lisa Curry-Kenny and emerging stars like Hayley Lewis, Janelle Elford and Julie McDonald.

Lisa Curry-Kenny was one of the stars of the Games, winning three medals, including gold in the 100m butterfly and the 200m individual medley.

Her performances cemented her status as one of Australia’s most accomplished swimmers, adding to her already impressive Commonwealth Games medal tally.

Janelle Elford was another key member of the Australian swimming team, winning a collection of medals at the Auckland Games. On January 24, 1990, Elford secured gold in the 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay alongside her teammates and followed it up with a silver in the 800m Freestyle behind Julie McDonald, and a bronze in the 400m Freestyle. Elford’s versatility and consistent performances across multiple events made her one of the standout swimmers of the Games.

Canadian and English Challenges

Canada and England also had strong showings in the swimming events. Canadian swimmer Mark Tewksbury, who would later become an Olympic champion, won gold in the 100m backstroke, setting the stage for his future successes. Stephen Clarke, another Canadian standout, captured gold in the 50m freestyle, adding to Canada’s impressive medal haul.

England’s Nick Gillingham was another swimmer to watch, winning gold in the 200m breaststroke and silver in the 100m breaststroke. His performances were a key part of England’s success in the pool, contributing to their overall medal tally.

Golden Moments at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games: Australian Swimming Triumphs

The 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games were a watershed moment for Australian swimming, with the team delivering outstanding performances across multiple events.

From individual triumphs to relay victories, the Games saw a host of Australian swimmers etching their names into the annals of sporting history. The following stories highlight some of the most memorable moments from the Games.

Julie McDonald and the Women’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay

The Women’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay on January 25, 1990, was one of the most dramatic and emotional events of the Games.

The Australian team, comprising Julie McDonald, Janelle Elford, Jennifer McMahon, and Hayley Lewis, was up against a formidable Canadian team.

The race was incredibly close, with the Australians finishing just a touch behind the Canadians.

The look on Julie McDonald’s face as she realized they had narrowly missed out on gold summed up the team’s feelings—disappointment mixed with the pride of having given it their all.

However, the Canadians were disqualified for jumping too soon on an exchange end, a twist of fate that handed the gold medal to the Australians.

The team’s mix of relief and joy was palpable as they stood poolside, proudly displaying their medals and celebrating their unexpected victory.

The image of Hayley Lewis, Jennifer McMahon, Janelle Elford, and Julie McDonald standing together after the race, their gold medals gleaming, captured the camaraderie and resilience of the Australian team.

This victory was a highlight of the Games, showcasing the importance of teamwork and perseverance.

Hayley Lewis: The Golden Girl of Auckland

Hayley Lewis was undoubtedly the golden girl of the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games.

At just 15 years old, she emerged as one of the standout performers, winning an incredible five gold medals, a feat that cemented her status as one of Australia’s greatest swimmers.

Lewis’s success began with her win in the 400m Freestyle on January 27, 1990, where she led an Australian sweep of the podium, with Julie McDonald taking silver and Janelle Elford securing bronze.

This victory was her fourth gold medal of the Games, adding to her earlier wins in the 200m Freestyle, 400m Individual Medley, and the 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay.

Lewis’s fifth gold came in the 200m Butterfly, a race that tested her endurance and technique.

Her victories at the Auckland Games made her a national hero and an inspiration to young swimmers across Australia.

The media and fans alike dubbed her the “Golden Girl” of the Commonwealth Games, a title that she carried with grace and humility.

Andrew Baildon: A Double Gold Celebration

Andrew Baildon was one of the stars of the Australian swimming team at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games, clinching two gold medals in exhilarating fashion.

On January 26, 1990, Baildon competed in the Men’s 100m Butterfly, a race that was eagerly anticipated by fans and competitors alike.

As he powered through the water, Baildon showcased his incredible strength and technique, pulling ahead of his rivals.

When he touched the wall first, the crowd erupted in applause, and Baildon thrashed the water in jubilation, celebrating his hard-fought victory and his gold medal.

Just three days later, on January 29, 1990, Baildon was back in the pool for the Men’s 50m Freestyle, a race that promised to be a showdown of speed.

Once again, Baildon did not disappoint. He surged ahead to claim the gold medal, narrowly beating his fellow Australian, Angus Waddell, who took the silver.

The image of Baildon standing proudly with his gold medal, alongside Waddell, was a powerful symbol of Australia’s dominance in the pool.

Martin Roberts: A Record-Breaking Performance

Martin Roberts was another Australian swimmer who made headlines at the Auckland Games.

On January 25, 1990, he competed in the Men’s 200m Freestyle, delivering a stunning performance that saw him break the Commonwealth Games record with a time of 1:49.58 seconds.

Roberts’s victory was particularly sweet as it came in an event where his compatriots, Ian Brown and Thomas Stachewicz, took the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Roberts’s success didn’t stop there. He also played a crucial role in the Men’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay, where the Australian team won gold.

His victories added to Australia’s overall dominance in the pool, reinforcing the team’s status as a powerhouse in Commonwealth swimming.

Lisa Curry-Kenny: A Triumphant Return

On January 28, 1990, Lisa Curry-Kenny won gold in the 100m Butterfly, a race that saw her react with visible emotion upon realizing she had claimed the top spot on the podium.

Her win in the 100m Butterfly added to her previous successes at the Games, including a gold in the 200m Individual Medley.

Curry-Kenny’s victories were a highlight of the Games, as they demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure and her continued relevance in the sport after more than a decade at the top level.

Her achievements at the Auckland Games further solidified her legacy as one of Australia’s greatest swimmers.

Australian Gold Medal Winners in Swimming

Memorable Moments

For New Zealand, hosting the swimming and diving events at the Auckland Games was a source of immense pride. The success of the Games contributed to the country’s reputation as a capable host of international sporting events and left a lasting impact on the local sports community.

Photos, Stories and Pages in this feature series:
The Ceremony | The Pool | The Track & Field | Jason Statham diving | The Green | The Range | The Ring | The Velodrome | The Picture Editor’s Desk

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