The life of Trudy Housman, Australian distance free swimmer of the 1980s and sister to 1500m ace Glen Housman, has been celebrated by the swim community Down Under after she lost her eight-year battle with cancer. She was 47.

In an article dedicated to the swimmer and the celebration in her honour, reporter Ian Hanson recalls Housman's life, swim career and those who played a big role in her life, including coach Bill Sweetenham.

Hanson writes: "Trudy was a member of the Australian team in for the New Zealand Games in 1981 in Christchurch where she finished second in the 400m freestyle and third in the 200m freestyle.

"Sweetenham has inspired many swimmers in the pool over a lifetime love affair with swimming and no matter how hard a task master he was - he left an indelible mark on everyone who he trained and anyone he took in to his inner sanctum - one of swimming's great men.

"He will address the Service on Saturday and will no doubt deliver his tribute in typical Sweetenham manner with great respect, knowledge and a touch of Sweetenham humour.

"His band of 80s followers who have supported Trudy's plight include Audrey Moore, Peter Dale, Lyn Prosser, Tracey Wickham, Janelle Elford, Julie McDonald, Greg Fasala, Tim Ford, Suzie Landells, Graeme McGufficke, Adam Sambrook, Krista Muir, Barry Woodger, Sally Morgan, Kym Boorman, Dimity Douglas, Jillian Collingwood, Bernard Pegram, Wanda Smales, Sarah Falconer and many many more who have all banded together to leave Trudy what will be an extraordinary legacy."

Read the rest of a fine tribute here.