In a heartwarming moment at the national swimming trials in Adelaide, Lani Pallister, accompanied by her proud godmother Dawn Fraser, celebrated a remarkable achievement. Pallister, who recently broke the Australian 800-metre freestyle record, was all smiles as she embraced Fraser, an iconic figure in Australian swimming and a four-time Olympic gold medallist.
After completing her record-breaking swim in a time of 8:10.84, Pallister immediately sought out Fraser, who is 87 years old, for a celebratory hug and words of encouragement. “All she said is she’s proud of me and she loves me,” Pallister shared with the media, highlighting the emotional significance of the moment.
Attended by family and friends, including her mother Janelle, also an Olympic swimmer, Pallister’s celebration didn’t stop there. She shared joyful embraces with her coach, Dean Boxall, and exchanged more affectionate gestures with her mother and godmother, cherishing the bond they shared after her triumphant performance.
Pallister’s time not only broke the previous Australian record held by Ariarne Titmus but also established her as one of the fastest 800-metre swimmers in history, behind only swim legends Katie Ledecky and Summer McIntosh. By finishing over half a lap ahead of her nearest competitor, Pallister affirmed her strength and prowess in the pool.
Fraser’s attendance was particularly poignant as she had faced health issues just months prior, including a serious fall that led to surgery. Pallister expressed her gratitude for Fraser’s presence, saying, “It’s really special that she made the trip down… She’s just such a special woman.”
The recent trials showcased talented athletes, and Pallister’s record-breaking performance garnered attention as she prepared for the 2025 Australian swimming trials. The support of her family, especially Fraser, is an inspiration for her as she strives for continued success in her swimming career.