Prof David Theile: Image courtesy Swimming Queensland

Professor David Theile, AO, former president of RACS, is the only Australian to win Olympic gold in backstroke and has recently been inducted into the Swimming Australia Hall of Fame on the Gold Coast. This achievement adds another chapter to a life defined by excellence in both sport and medicine.

Professor Theile first made history at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, winning gold in the 100m backstroke and setting a world and Olympic record of 1:02.2. Four years later in Rome, he successfully defended his title with a time of 1:01.9, becoming one of only nine Australians to win back-to-back individual gold medals in the same event. He also contributed to Australia’s silver medal in the medley relay. Even now, he remains the only Australian to have won Olympic backstroke gold—and he did it twice.

Born in Maryborough in 1938, Professor Theile began swimming at the age of five and entered competitive racing at nine. Under the guidance of coach Arthur Cusack, he became Queensland and Australian junior backstroke champion by 16 and dominated the national scene for five years. In 1955, he broke a 17-year-old Australian record for the 100m backstroke, clocking 1:07.4.

Balancing elite sport with academic ambition, Professor Theile paused his medical studies at the University of Queensland to compete in Melbourne. After his first Olympic triumph, he returned to university, later deferring his studies again to prepare for the Rome Olympics. His ability to combine rigorous training with academic commitments was noted by Olympic historian Harry Gordon, who described his comeback as a testament to discipline and focus.

Following his second Olympic victory, Professor Theile completed his medical degree in 1962 and pursued a career in surgery. His contributions to the profession have been significant. He served as chairman of the Queensland State Committee (1981–1982), was a member of College Council for 12 years, and held key leadership roles including Censor-in-Chief (1989–1991), vice-president (1991–1993), and president (1993–1995). During his presidency, he guided the College through important developments in surgical education and standards, fostering collaboration across specialties and strengthening RACS’ role in advocacy and training.

His influence extended beyond governance. He chaired the Pacific Islands Project, an initiative that began under his leadership and marked the start of increased outreach activity by the College. He also served on the Australian Medical Workforce Advisory Committee and remains an active supporter of surgical education. In recognition of his service, Professor Theile was awarded the Sir Hugh Devine Medal in 2001 and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1997.

The David Thiele Lecture, delivered annually at the Queensland State Committee meeting, honours his enduring impact on the College and the profession.

Professor Theile’s achievements have been widely recognised. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968 and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985. In 2014, he was named a Hall of Fame Legend at the Queensland Sport Awards. The University of Queensland pool now bears his name—a tribute to his dual legacy in sport and medicine.

Professor Theile’s story is one of sustained excellence—first in the pool, then in the operating theatre and in surgical leadership. His recent induction into the Swimming Australia Hall of Fame is a reminder that the qualities that underpin success in sport—discipline, resilience, and commitment—are equally vital in medicine. For the surgical community, his career stands as a testament of how these values can shape not only individual achievement but also the advancement of the profession.