Coach Peter Elliot
Peter Elliot and his son Brian Elliot were both Springbok swimmers who became successful swimming coaches in Port Elizabeth.
At the South African swimming championships of 1939 and again in 1940, Peter Elliot won the 500 and 880 yards freestyle events. In 1939 he also placed second to the 1934 Empire Games silver medallist Terry Collard in the 220-yard event. He was then selected to swim for South Africa against the touring Australian team of Noel Ryan, Bob Masters and Ron Wiltshire.
As a coach, Peter Elliot produced several national champions, including his son Brian Elliot, who was one of his most successful swimmers. Other Springboks coached by Peter Elliot were Brian Elliot, Geoff Grylls, Neil Oldridge and Jon Reen (below).
Coach Peter Elliot with club swimmers: Johan Oberholzer, Liza Crankshaw, Lynn Hamilton, Margaret Nicholson
Behind: Jonathan Harley, Jeanette Slabbert
Courtesy of Cecil Colwin
Elliot family lives for swimming
PETER ELLIOT, a former Springbok swimmer from the Eastern Province and one of the best swimming instructors in South Africa is head of this well-known swimming family.
As an instructor, he played a large role in the swimming success of his son Brian, Geoff Grylls, Neil Aldridge and Jonathan Reen. The four who all gained Springbok colours in the 1960's were by far the best swimmers that EP delivered at that time.
Peter's wife, Sheila, supported his coaching endeavours, while Helen, Derek and Gregory, the other family members, were all top EP swimmers. Brian and Helen were well-known instructors in their own right.
Peter was born in Uitenhage and attended St Andrews Junior School before matriculating at Muir College. His school sports included athletics, swimming, rugby and cricket.
Peter recalls the tough swimming galas between Muir and Grey while he was at school, with Muir winning the Clint-trophy for 13 years running.
Geoff Mandy, who represented SA in the Olympic Games in London in 1948, was, along with Peter, a stalwart in Muir's swimming team. Peter speaks highly of the training they received under their swimming coach, Arthur (Coxie) Harrow.
As a scholar, Peter represented EP in freestyle. He made his debut for EP in 1935 at the SA Championships held at the old swimming pool in North End. He came third in the 880 yards and fourth in the 500 yard races.
In 1936, in Bulawayo, he came second in the 500 and 880 yards, and in 1937 in Johannesburg he again came second in the 880 yards, but this time third in the 500.
Peter joined the mines in Brakpan in 1937, and swam for Transvaal in 1938, 1939 and 1940. In 1939 and 1940 he won the 880 and 500 yards freestyle events.
In 1939 he was awarded his Springbok colours when he competed in Durban against the Australian touring team. Peter was placed third in the 440-yard race. In 1942, Peter joined the Air Force when he returned to Uitenhage. He was in Rome for two years and represented the Mediterranean region. Geoff Mandy and Duncan Melville were also part of the team.
Peter was 27 years old when he took part in the SA Champs in Pretoria in 1946. EP Management convinced him to represent them at the SA Championships held in PE the following year, which would be his last appearance for EP.
Peter carried on taking part competitively in galas till the age of 31, and at that age, along with Ernie Nicholson, Alf Boliter and Paul Winer, set a new EP record in the 4x100 freestyle medley.
The Redhouse River Mile was one of his favourite events. He won the race in 1935, 1936, 1945 and 1946. In 1947, Peter joined the EP management and in 1950 became a professional coach..
Springbok Shirley van der Poel was also coached under Peter. His son Brian made a name for himself swimming for the USA in 1966 and again with the Springboks in 1967, and Britain and Europe in 1968.
Brian Elliot and Derek Elliot at an Eastern Province ASA awards event