It was a personal best for former Australian butterfly champ and city councillor Henry Meskauskas on Tuesday, when a plaque honouring his swimming achievements was unveiled at Maitland Aquatic Centre.
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Cr Meskauskas received the honour from Maitland Mayor Loretta Baker who announced that Lane 3 of the centre’s main pool would carry his name.
“This is both an honour and a privilege. I’m very proud,” Cr Meskauskas said.
The plaque unveiling was carried out before council managers and Cr Meskauskas’ family members including his grandchildren.
Cr Meskauskas was a former Australian butterfly champion and the first Maitland male swimmer to win a NSW swimming title.
Maitland City Council voted unanimously in favour of naming a lane after Cr Meskauskas at a meeting in May last year. A council report said he had made a significant contribution to swimming and the community. He has been on council 28 years and is chairperson of Maitland Sport and Rec Advisory Board, Club Maitland City President, Maitland RSL Sub-Branch Treasurer and a patron and life member of many sporting clubs.
His greatest swimming accolade was holding the national title in 1962 for 100 metres butterfly. He competed in numerous national, trans Tasman, State and country swimming championships and at one stage had his sights set on the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Unfortunately a shoulder injury brought his swimming career to an abrupt halt.
