ON THIS DAY - 24 October: 48 years ago today Mike Wenden OAM MBE won the 200m Freestyle and set a new Olympic record at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games.

Wenden had earlier broken the world record on his way to winning the 100m Freestyle and remains the only Australian in Olympic history to have won the 100m-200m Freestyle double.

The 18-year-old also helped Australia win silver in the 4x100m freestyle relay and bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay in Mexico.

What made his success even more astounding was the fact that Wenden struggled significantly in the high altitude (Mexico City is 2,200 metres above sea level).

Wenden's heart was beating abnormally quick for the fortnight leading in which led to a lack sleep. Following his 200m freestyle win he lost consciousness and sank; his team-mate Bob Windle came to his aid, pulling him to the surface.

The Michael Wenden Aquatic and Leisure Centre at Miller (near Liverpool in Sydney), opened in 1972, was named in his honour.

Check out his full biography here>>>

David Tarbotton/Harry Gordon