Champion swimmer Wilhelmina (Mina) Wylie – the first Australian woman to win an Olympic silver medal – has been honoured with a blue plaque at Coogee.

The blue plaque is installed next to Mina’s old training ground, Wylie’s Baths, which her father Henry – a legendary long-distance and underwater swimmer – built in 1907.

Born in 1891, Mina was a trailblazer who paved the way for female swimmers and was one of the first women to represent Australia at a Summer Olympic Games.

Between 1906 and 1934 Mina amassed 115 NSW and Australian titles and held world records in freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke.

Mina competed at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics along with friend and rival Sarah “Fanny” Durack whose blue plaque has been unveiling on her childhood home at 80 Douglas Street, Stanmore.

Although it was the first time women’s swimming was on the program, Mina and Fanny fought hard to get a place on the team because the NSW Ladies Swimming Association held the view that females should not compete in front of men.

Following a successful public campaign, Mina made an Olympic splash securing a silver medal in the 100-metre freestyle after being beaten by Fanny who set a world record.

Mina went on to coach other young athletes until she was almost 70 years old and, in 1975, she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Randwick City Council nominated Mina for a blue plaque, which is one of 16 in this round of the Heritage NSW program. For more information visit: https://blueplaques.nsw.gov.au/

Parliamentary Secretary for Heritage, Trish Doyle said:

“The blue plaques program rolls out incredible opportunities to connect the community with events and stories that have helped shaped NSW’s rich history.

“Wylie’s Baths is iconic for residents and visitors, and having a blue plaque at the Baths helps cement its historic link to this swimming hero.”

Member for Coogee Dr Marjorie O Neill, said:

“Mina was a tenacious young athlete who fought hard to represent her country in the Olympics bringing home the silver medal and making Coogee proud.

“It’s wonderful to think more than a century ago, Mina was training here at this beautiful location every day which was pivotal in making her the champion she became.”

Deputy Mayor of Randwick Marea Wilson, said:

“This blue plaque is a testament to Mina’s enduring influence within our community. It is fitting that we honour Mina’s legacy at Wylie's Baths, a place that holds historical significance for not only Mina’s family but also for our community.

“Mina’s story reminds us all – especially young women and girls – that extraordinary achievements on the world stage can start from anywhere, including, right here, in our own neighbourhood in Coogee.”

Australian Olympic Committee CEO Mark Arbib, said:

“Australia’s female swimmers have a proud and successful history of producing inspiring Olympic performances, which really all began with Mina and her fellow teammate Fanny Durack.

“The power of the Olympic Movement in this country lives in our Australian athletes and their life stories, so it’s incredibly special to have Mina’s own story celebrated in such a meaningful and permanent way.”

Media enquiries
Rita Mu – 0429 347 999 or rita.mu@randwick.nsw.gov.au