Samantha Riley OAM

Samantha Riley OAM's Biography

While Samantha Riley’s success has already etched her name in Australian swimming history, her enthusiasm, commitment and strong desire to win means she will continue to succeed. Officially retired in 2001, Sam will be forever known as one of Australia’s greatest ever female swimmers. Gracious and charming, Samantha is also one of Australia’s most popular personalities.

During Sam’s swimming career her professional attitude and enthusiasm afforded her international success. Some of Sam’s greatest achievements include three Olympic medals, two world championship gold medals, five Commonwealth Games medals (four gold) and nine Pan Pacific Games medals. She’s also set three world and two commonwealth records.

Sam Riley is one of Australia’s most recognised sporting personalities. A swimming champion, a successful business owner and a sought-after speaker, she is a respected advocate for women, sport and the community. A star of the pool in the 1990s, she has since positioned herself as a leader in both business and the community after creating the Sam Riley Swim Schools.

Sam competed in the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympics winning one silver and two bronze medals, which also gave her the honour of being the first Australian indigenous athlete to win an Olympic medal. In addition, Sam holds a Medal of the Order of Australia, and was both Queensland and Australian Sportsperson of the Year in 1994. That same year Sam was also awarded World Female Swimmer of the Year.

Sam has been heavily involved in several fundraising charities including Olivia Newton Johns Cancer and Wellness Centre’s ‘The Great Walk to Beijing’, the Raise the Youth Mentoring Foundation, Royal Life Saving Keep Watch Program, Mater Healthy Start Program, and Asthma Australia.