Dawn Fraser, the iconic Australian Olympian, who just turned 87 and is experiencing acute health crises. She has only recently spoken publicly about her recovery after a life-changing crash in December. As one of Australia’s greatest ever sportspeople, Fraser has seen her own story take a difficult turn. She had a decomposing ankle, broken rib and punctured lung from her wretched fall at home in Noosa.
In December 2021, Murray’s partner Bob Fraser stumbled on the new driveway—which was still under construction—and broke several ribs and his femur in the fall. The impact of the fall knocked her out for several seconds and made her vomit right after. After the crash, she was taken to the ICU. In there, the medical staff did everything possible to keep her alive.
Fraser was beset by another life-threatening experience just weeks later, when her heart stopped, putting more strain on her recovery, body, and spirit. She described the difficulties of the situation, stating, “It’s a fight every day, but at least I’m doing it.” Although the former swimmer is on the mend, he’s still coping with numerous health setbacks and each day poses a new challenge.
Fraser had to overcome serious health obstacles. To prepare for such unforeseen circumstances, she authorized her daughter, Dawn-Lorraine Fraser, to make informed medical decisions on her behalf. This was a very difficult decision to make after multiple long and serious conversations with medical personnel regarding her continued care. Dawn-Lorraine remembered one instance where the anaesthetist challenged if she had consented to receiving treatment.
“The anaesthetist came in … and asked, ‘did I give my daughter consent?’ I said, ‘Yes, I did,’” – Dawn-Lorraine Fraser
Dawn-Lorraine eventually found herself in a position where she had to advocate like hell for her mother’s care. She remembers having to scream at medical personnel for resuscitation after they anaesthetised her mother.
“I want to know if I have to resuscitate her, and I said, ‘Are you serious?’…” – Dawn-Lorraine Fraser
Even with these terrifying experiences, Fraser is not giving up on regaining a higher quality of life. She expressed the challenges she faces daily, stating, “I can still shower myself and take myself to the bathroom, but I can’t make my own bed or open many doors.”
Reflecting on her current state, she acknowledged the toll that age and illness has taken on her body: “Some days I feel 87. Other days, I don’t … I lost a lot of strength and weight, but I’m fighting to get it back.”
It’s that same resilience that’s evident in Fraser’s words and in her determination to fight her way through the ongoing health challenges she continues to face.
