Commonwealth Games Australia mourns the passing of Vancouver gold medal-winning swimmer Rex Aubrey, last week aged 86.

Born in Parkes, New South Wales on February 4, 1935, Aubrey developed an affinity for the water at a young age. He became an Australian 13-and-under champion in the 55-yard freestyle in 1948, and turned that early success into greater acclaim.

A standout in the 110-yard freestyle and 220 freestyle, Aubrey earned the chance to represent Australia in the 100-meter freestyle at the Helsinki 1952 Olympics, where he finished sixth in the final.

Following the Helsinki Games, Aubrey made the decision to not return to Australia. Instead, he traveled to the United States, and enrolled at Yale University, where he would be mentored by American coaching legend Robert Kiphuth. During his time at Yale, Aubrey became an NCAA champion in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle and set the NCAA record in the 100 freestyle, clocking a time of 49.0.

In 1954, Aubrey competed at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games and earned a bronze medal in the 110-yard freestyle and a gold medal as a member of Australia’s 4×220-yard freestyle relay.

Commonwealth Games Australia joins Swimming Australia in extending our condolences to Rex Aubrey’s family and friends.