The Chairman of the Australian Sports Commission, the Hon Warwick Smith AM, today paid tribute to Australian swimming legend Murray Rose, who passed away after a battle with cancer on the weekend.

'Murray was not just a legend in the pool,' Smith said.

'His contribution to the community through charity work, in particular the Rainbow Club which teaches children with a disability to swim, was immeasurable.

'In addition, he was greatly admired as a champion athlete and friend to so many people.

'The generations of Olympic athletes who have followed since Murray emerged as a national hero by winning three gold medals at the 1956 Olympic Games owe much to people like Murray.

'He was a trailblazer who showed Australia it could be very successful on the international stage. The legacy Murray Rose left has been carried by Australian athletes since then and will again be carried into the London Olympics later this year.'

Murray won a total of six medals in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games, and set 15 world records during the course of his career.

'On behalf of the Australian Sports Commission, I pass on my deepest sympathy to Murray's family,' Smith said.