Ozone swimming trophy, 1939
1954-01-01/1954-12-31
South Australian Maritime Museum
Port Adelaide, Australia
The Port Adelaide Amateur Swimming Club Trophy (Ozone Cup) was won by Max Nelson 25 February 1939 for the annual long distance Swim through the Port River, South Australia. Max Nelson was 17-years-old when he won the event, finishing 230 metres ahead of the next competitor. Spectators noted his unique style, making ‘little of his legs to aid his stroke’. The museum also owns a photograph of Nelson posing with his trophies. From 1923 the annual Swim through the Port became one of the most prestigious swims in the State. A gruelling 2.5 km, the swim began at Commercial Road, Port Adelaide, ferry steps, continued along North Parade wharves, Port Adelaide and finished in the Portland Canal, Port Adelaide.
Two handled silver cup with Bakelite base engraved with the words:
"PAASC
Ozone Cup
Swim Through the Port
Won by M Nelson
Time 30 mins 5 seconds
25.2.39"
- Title: Ozone swimming trophy, 1939
- Date Created: 1954-01-01/1954-12-31
- Provenance: Donated to the South Australian Maritime Museum in 1989 by Mrs CF Nelson, a relative of the cup's owner, Max Nelson. The cup was awarded to winners of the annual Swim through the Port, an annual long distance swim that began in 1923 and was held until the 1960s when the Port River became too polluted. The race has recently been revived. The Museum also holds the Viceroy Tea Trophy, a shield that was inscribed with each year's winner. The Ozone cup was sponsored by the Ozone cinema in Semaphore, South Australia.
- Subject Keywords: Sport, Awards
- Rights: History Trust of South Australia, CC-0, photographer: Kylie Macey
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