Bobby Bath

Australian sportsman Bobby Bath had a brief career as a boxer before becoming a physical education teacher. In the mid-1950s Bath fought as an amateur boxer, winning two fights as part of the Olympic trials for the 1956 Melbourne Games. At his home Olympics he fought in the bantamweight division, defeating Henry Jayasuriya (SRI), before losing to the eventual silver medallist Song Sun-Cheon (KOR). He then turned professional, winning three of his first four fights, before retiring in 1958 following two defeats.

From 1958 to the mid-1990s Bath taught gymnastics, boxing, and physical education at the Ballarat Grammar School. In addition to teaching he also helped to redevelop the school’s grounds, working as a landscaper. Just prior to his retirement in December 1995 the RG Bath Swimming Centre was named in his honour to recognise his contributions to the community. Bath was also awarded with the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2018 Australia Day Honours.