The Cavill family of Australia is known for its significant contributions to the development of the sport of swimming.[1][2]
Prominent family members in the sport include Frederick Cavill (1839–1927),[3] sons Ernest Cavill (1868–1935),[4]Charles Claude Cavill (1870–1897),[5]Percy Frederick Cavill (1875–1940),[6]Arthur Rowland Channel (Tums) Cavill (1877–1914),[5][7] who is credited by sports journalist W.F. Corbett with originating the Australian crawl stroke, which now predominates in "freestyle" swimming races; and Sydney St. Leonards Cavill ("Sid") (1881–1945),[8] was one of the originators of the butterfly arm stroke.[9] Youngest son Richmond (Dick) Theophilus Cavill (1884–1938)[3] was the first to use the crawl in a competition, winning 100 yards State championship in 1899; and in England, in 1902, he was the first to swim 100 yards in under a minute.[10]
The three daughters, Madeline, Fredda and Alice Cavill[12] were all accomplished swimmers[13][14] and swimming instructors.[15]
Fredda Cavill's son Dick Eve won gold at the 1924 Summer Olympics in the plain high diving, becoming the first Australian Olympic diver to win gold.[15]
^ abOsmond, Gary (2009). "Forgetting Charlie and Tums Cavill: social memory and Australian swimming history". Journal of Australian Studies. 33 (1): 93–107. doi:10.1080/14443050802672569. S2CID144775663.
^"Death entry for Percy F Cavell [sic]". FamilySearch. Bahamas Civil Registration, 1850-1959. 31 December 1940. Retrieved 18 August 2024. St Matthews Parish. Died November 17th 1940. European. Male.
^Osmond, Gary (2012). "Swimming Her Own Course: Agency in the Professional Swimming Career of Alice Cavill". The International Journal of the History of Sport. 29 (3): 385–402. doi:10.1080/09523367.2012.659727. S2CID143975048.
^"The Cavill Family". The Sydney Morning Herald. 13 February 1899. p. 5. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
^"The Cavill Family". The Sydney Morning Herald. 6 December 1898. p. 8. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
^ ab"Dick Eve". Olympedia. Retrieved 13 October 2021.