Comments on: Australia’s Swimming Community Mourns The Passing of National Treasure And Coaching Pioneer Ursula Carlile

By: Barbara Nicol

Barbara Nicol — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:48:49 +0000

Ursula and Forbes were wonderful, kind, devoted and both highly intelligent and thoughtful. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have Sports Science today. I trained with them from ~1954 to 1960, then with Terry Gathercole (as his first pupil).
In 1959 Ursula and Forbes arranged a swim camp in Townsville for about 20 swimmers from NSW and Victoria who they thought would benefit from more intense training – most went on to represent Australia in Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
When I had my own children they would talk to me at swimming events I attended as an observer.
I remember them both very fondly. We’ll miss them with their stopwatches!
They were inseparable in life, and both together again.

By: Sushil Mohanta

Sushil Mohanta — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 03:16:11 +0000

In reply to Lyn M Morris. It was one of the most amazing &heart felt story I red in my life, Thanks for it to be published &may GOD'S peace be with both of them in Heaven.Amen.

By: Lyn M Morris

Lyn M Morris — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:58:48 +0000

May you rest in peace may the angels be with both of you husband and yourself together Sympathy to your family and Friends Amen

By: Jane Allardice

Jane Allardice — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 06:38:03 +0000

U8 won 50m Freestyle Ryde Swimming Club. Forbes were there regularly spotting potentials. Learnt to swim as a toddler and trained with them and locally for years to come. They were true professionals. RIP Ursula.

By: Chris Curran

Chris Curran — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:32:12 +0000

In reply to Janeen Armstrong. Forbes and Ursula’s professional training as sport scientists motivated me to pursue post grad studies in sport science. They pioneered the importance of evidence based research to improve the performance of swimmers of all ages-particularly elite swimmers. Forbes and Ursula were authentic professional swimming coaches and teachers.

By: Janeen Armstrong

Janeen Armstrong — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 19:36:28 +0000

In reply to Julian Carroll. RIP URSULA. As a teenager I was very fortunate in working with Forbes and Ursula Carlile at their backyard learn to swim centre in Ryde after school and on weekends. They trained me well in becoming a confident instructor in using their techniques in teaching children from 12mths up how to swim. I remember both with the utmost respect. Sincere condolences Janeen Armstrong

By: Julian Carroll

Julian Carroll — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 13:27:13 +0000

RIP Ursula! Off to meet Forbes in the “big pool” in the sky. Julian Carroll, 1960 Olympic team with your help in Townsville training camp.