Back in the 80's when I worked as a Lifeguard David Wilkie the Olympic swimmer came into the pool I worked at. Not being overly shy and really quite fit at that time I challenged him to a race, one length of the pool doing the breaststroke. He gave me that Wilkie smile, nodded, and someone gave us the off. I saw him keeping an eye on my progress as we inched nearer the other side and I won by a fingertip. I scrutinized his reaction and said "aw c'mon you let me win there...lets do it again and this time for real". We both jetted off but he was like a dolphin in the water and I was truly amazed by his strength and technique and not at all surprised he easily beat me to the other side. We did a high five and I thanked him heartily for the memory. I still see him as a real gent as he would have let me walk away thinking I had won, had I not insisted. Happy days :)
I can remember as a 14 year old, glued to the television enjoying my first Olympic Games, watching David Wilkie win his gold medal in Montreal. I remember how proud he made me feel as an excited Brit. It's one of those memories from my childhood that comes back so vividly today with this sad news. Thank you David for making my early sports viewing so unforgettable. His gold medal was the starting point for all the success GB have had since. RIP Olympic Champion and thoroughly nice bloke.
I wonder how many young Brits took up swimming after David's Olympic win? With his good looks and supreme talent, plus being a really nice guy. He made a huge impact on the sport in the 70's. RIP David.
You really inspired my career as a budding swimming coach, back in the mid-1970s. One of the first books on swimming I bought was your "Winning with Wilkie". Rest in peace, champion.
Thank you David, I remember this so well as a 16 year old Pitlochry lad & you made all Scots so proud & all of this island so proud too. A life well lived & you are loved. 💙♥
bless his heart. as said elswhere met him at Crystal Palace....super nice person so funny....energetic and down to earth. Swimming legend....good person xxxx
Back in the 80's when I worked as a Lifeguard David Wilkie the Olympic swimmer came into the pool I worked at. Not being overly shy and really quite fit at that time I challenged him to a race, one length of the pool doing the breaststroke. He gave me that Wilkie smile, nodded, and someone gave us the off. I saw him keeping an eye on my progress as we inched nearer the other side and I won by a fingertip. I scrutinized his reaction and said "aw c'mon you let me win there...lets do it again and this time for real". We both jetted off but he was like a dolphin in the water and I was truly amazed by his strength and technique and not at all surprised he easily beat me to the other side. We did a high five and I thanked him heartily for the memory.
I still see him as a real gent as he would have let me walk away thinking I had won, had I not insisted.
Happy days :)
David Wilkie was our Mark Spitz?
I can remember as a 14 year old, glued to the television enjoying my first Olympic Games, watching David Wilkie win his gold medal in Montreal. I remember how proud he made me feel as an excited Brit. It's one of those memories from my childhood that comes back so vividly today with this sad news. Thank you David for making my early sports viewing so unforgettable. His gold medal was the starting point for all the success GB have had since. RIP Olympic Champion and thoroughly nice bloke.
Thanks for the memories, David.
A great champion!
Very sad news today.A legendary British sportsman. RIP.David.
The man who broke the US stranglehold in 1976.
I wonder how many young Brits took up swimming after David's Olympic win? With his good looks and supreme talent, plus being a really nice guy. He made a huge impact on the sport in the 70's. RIP David.
You really inspired my career as a budding swimming coach, back in the mid-1970s. One of the first books on swimming I bought was your "Winning with Wilkie". Rest in peace, champion.
Lovely guy. Great memories of his 76 Montreal exploits when I was a 12 year old aspiring, never achieving, Olympic swimmer. RIP, David.
Thank you David, I remember this so well as a 16 year old Pitlochry lad & you made all Scots so proud & all of this island so proud too. A life well lived & you are loved. 💙♥
bless his heart. as said elswhere met him at Crystal Palace....super nice person so funny....energetic and down to earth. Swimming legend....good person xxxx
The rule of having to keep one part of your head above the water was crazy back then. Make you wonder what the times could have been.
Alan weekes iconic commentary.."And its Wilkie"!😊
First thing that comes in to my head, when i hear his name mentioned.
He was n inspiration to me as a young competitive swimmer. I dreamt of swimming in the Olympics because of him. Because of me, I didn’t! Lol.
RIP Champion.
RIP .. Wilkie
Rip
Oh my he is not there any more , RIP