N.Z. Swimmer’s Surprise Win At Brisbane

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22883, 1 March 1949, Page 6

N.Z. Swimmer’s Surprise Win At Brisbane

BRISBANE. Feb. 28. John Marshall was carried shoulderhigh round the Valley baths last night after he had won the Australian 100 metres free-style title in 60.3 sec. and the 800 metres title by 55 yards in llmin. B.4sec. By winning all five senior freestyle titles .Marshall equalled the performance of Sir Frank Beaurepaire. One of the greatest surprises in the championship carnival was the defeat in the 200 metres breaststroke championship of Kevin Hallet by the New Zealander, John Shanahan. Hallett, who represented Australia in the Olympic Games, used the butterfly stroke, whereas Shanahan, who was swimming for Victoria, employed the orthodox style. He won by five seconds in 2min. 53sec.

Shanahan, who has broken several 'Victorian records since coming to Australia a year ago, will return to New Zealand in May. Another title changed hands when a 14-year-old Victorian schoolgirl, Marjory McQuade, beat the title-holder, Denise Spencer, over 200 metres, with Judy Joy Davies third. Earlier in the week Miss McQuade also headed Miss Spencer to win the 100 metres championship. Her time in the 200 metres was 2min. 35sec., which clipped 3.8 seconds off the Queensland record, but was 2.8 seconds outside the Australian record.