Kellermann, Annette, 1886-1975.

Swimmer, vaudeville performer, actor, lecturer on health, fitness and beauty, and author. Sydney born Annette Kellermann swam as a child to strengthen her weak, bowed legs, later becoming famous in Australia and overseas for her marathon swimming, diving and underwater swimming performances. She is credited with starting what is now known as synchronised swimming. In the early 1900's she was arrested for 'indecent exposure' in Boston for wearing her one-piece bathing suit. Kellerman wrote Swimming for health, exercise and pleasure (Lond. 1906); Physical beauty: how to keep it (1918); Fairy tales of the South Seas (1928); and featured in films including Neptune's daughter; A daughter of the Gods; and Venus of the South Seas. Esther Williams played Kellerman in the film, Million dollar mermaid.