Great British Olympic hero David Wilkie dies aged 70

According to reports by the BBC, former Great British swimmer David Wilkie has died, aged 70.

According to a press release from Wilkie’s family, he, “died peacefully surrounded by his family this morning, following his brave battle with cancer.”

Wilkie, born in Sri Lanka to Scottish parents, Wilkie won the 200m breaststroke gold at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada in a time that beat the previous world record by over three seconds, per The Mirror.

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Per The Guardian, Wilkie also won two silver medals in the same games.

Wilkie’s Olympic success came three years after his dominance started, having won the 1973 World Championships in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke events.

Per The Guardian, Wilkie decided he had achieved all he needed to in competitive sport following the Montreal games, retiring just one month after his 22 birthday.

Wilkie’s star continued to rise following his gold medal, as he was rewarded with an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his efforts in the pool.

Wilkie’s success was recognised by the British public, who twice voted him Sports Personality of the Year, per the BBC.

Wilkie’s son, Adam, said, “My dad was a truly wonderful man, father, and husband. He achieved so much in his life and those that knew him will never forget his love for life, kindness, and wonderful sense of humour,” in a statement.

Team GB also released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that reads, “David won Olympic gold in the 200m breaststroke at Montreal 1976, as well as multiple world and European titles. Our thoughts are with David's family and friends.”

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