Australian swimming is mourning the loss of marathon pioneer Melissa Roberts, a world champion and Guinness World Record holder who died following a long battle with metastatic breast cancer. Roberts, formerly Cunningham, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in this year's Australia Day Honours, passed away peacefully in her sleep this week after spending the past seven years battling metastatic breast cancer.
Heartbreaking Tribute from Husband
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her husband Adrian Roberts in an emotional tribute shared online. 'As Melissa's husband, I bring the heartbreaking news that Mel has lost her fight with cancer and passed away peacefully in her sleep early this morning,' he wrote. 'Mel will always be a multiple world champion, a devoted wife, loving sister, proud stepmother, inspiration and friend to so many. To me Mel was beautiful and loving in so many ways and taught me so much as a person and a father during the time we shared together.'
Tributes from the Swimming World
Tributes quickly poured in from across the swimming world for the beloved open water star, who became one of Australia's most decorated marathon swimmers during the 1990s. Swimming Australia described Roberts as a 'champion Dolphin' and an 'open water pioneer' whose impact on the sport would continue to be felt for generations. 'World champion, devoted wife and inspirational friend to many, Melissa Roberts OAM was elite … and tough,' Swimming Australia posted. 'Please join us in mourning the passing of a champion Dolphin who dedicated her life to swimming and whose ripples across the sport are still felt.'
A Champion's Career
Born in Sutherland in 1974, Roberts made her Australian Dolphins debut at the 1993 Pan Pacific Championships before establishing herself as one of the world's premier open water swimmers. Just one year later she claimed the 25km title at the 1994 FINA World Championships in Rome, winning in brutal conditions after previously competing in a pre-world championship race in Italy during a lightning storm. She later won another 25km world title in Switzerland in 1996 and was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame in 2013. Roberts also became famous for completing her first ever open water swim inside a shark cage during an 8km journey between Townsville and Magnetic Island.
Guinness World Record and Legendary Toughness
Her toughness became legendary in Australian swimming circles after she broke a Guinness World Record by swimming 93km in a pool over 24 hours at Chandler in Brisbane, smashing the existing mark by almost 11km. The feat reportedly left her allergic to chlorine. Outside the water, Roberts became a respected coach, commentator, official and administrator, serving as an announcer during the first Olympic 10km marathon swimming event at the 2008 Summer Olympics. She also volunteered with World Aquatics, Swimming Australia, Swimming Victoria and the Australian and International Marathon Swimming Halls of Fame.
Recent Updates and Final Days
In January, Roberts revealed she had been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to swimming. 'The sport that has shaped so much of my life continues to bring unexpected and meaningful moments,' she wrote at the time. 'Swimming has also been a huge part of my life; it's a place where I've found purpose, friendships, and a sense of belonging.' Just two weeks ago, Roberts shared another emotional update, revealing she had been admitted to hospital and placed into palliative care. 'After fighting metastatic breast cancer for the last 7 years I've been put in palliative care,' she wrote. 'I'm being looked after by an amazing team.' She also revealed organisers had personally delivered her OAM medal to hospital after she was unable to attend the official ceremony.
Husband's Final Tribute
Adrian Roberts said his wife carried the same determination from her marathon swimming career into her cancer fight. 'I know she inspired many others during her life and swimming career, and she carried the determination and strength from those days into every part of her life and in particular her fight with cancer over the past 14 years,' he wrote. 'Those who knew her will remember her not only for her incredible achievements in the water, but for her kindness, determination and to the very end, the way she always put others first. Rest peacefully Mel, thank you for being you, for the inspiration, the courage and the love you shared so generously. I am going to miss you so much, you are forever loved and will always have a place in my heart and I know one day we will go for a swim together once more.'
