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David Wilkie dead at 70: British Olympic swimming legend who won three world titles dies after brave cancer battle
The star's family have released a statement
BRITISH Olympic champion David Wilkie has died at the age of 70.
The Scottish swimmer has sadly passed away after a battle with cancer.
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Wilkie's family released a heartbreaking statement announcing his passing.
It read: “It is with great sadness that the family of David Wilkie MBE announce that he died peacefully surrounded by his family this morning, following his brave battle with cancer.”
Wilkie won three Olympic medals during his career as well as three world titles.
The Scot won the 200m breaststroke in Montreal in 1976, as well as a pair of silver medals.
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His Montreal gold was an extraordinary achievement that saw him break the existing 200m breaststroke record by over three seconds.
Aged just 22 when he achieved the record, Wilkie's effort stood for another five years before it was bettered.
And the Sri Lanka born star was happy to rest on that success, retiring just one month after the 1976 Olympic games.
Wilkie's achievements were recognised in 1977 when he was awarded an MBE for his work as a swimmer.
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While he also twice earned himself a top three spot in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 1975 and 1976.
He is believed to be the only person to have held British, American, Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic swimming titles at the same time.
His life after hanging up his goggles was also impressive as he became a successful businessman, opening Pets’ Kitchen, which provides nutritional food for pets.
Wilkie's son Adam, said: "My dad was a truly wonderful man, father, and husband.
"He achieved so much in his life and those that knew him will never forget his love for life, kindness, and wonderful sense of humour.”
And Team GB paid tribute to swimming sensation on X, writing: "Swimming legend David Wilkie has passed away, aged 70.
"David won Olympic gold in the 200m breaststroke at Montreal 1976, as well as multiple world and European titles. Our thoughts are with David's family and friends."
While fellow British swimming icon and Olympic medallist Sharron Davies posted her own tribute to Wilkies.
She wrote on X: "I am so sad to hear of the loss of Olympic champion superstar breaststroker, my first crush & definitely an inspiration, proud Scotsman David Wilkie who died earlier today, sleep tight old friend x."
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