NSW: John Devitt talks about Des Renford

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-1999
NSW: John Devitt talks about Des Renford

Dual Olympic gold medallist JOHN DEVITT describes himself as marathon swimmer DES RENFORD's
second best friend.

Mr RENFORD is in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack while training
at a Sydney pool this morning.

Mr DEVITT wrote the forward to Mr RENFORD's 1992 autobiography Nothing Great Is Easy,
but stopped short of claiming best friend status.

He says that honour goes to his devoted wife PATTY and that as a team they've experienced
plenty of ups and downs.

Mr DEVITT, a swimmer from Australia's golden era, won two gold, a silver and bronze
Olympic medals, in Melbourne and Rome, is now Australian Olympic Committee vice president.

He's clearly shaken when talking about his critically ill mate but says Mr RENFORD
is on a respirator and he believes he's going to fight like hell.

AAP RTV maur/as/jn

KEYWORD: RENFORD DEVITT (SYDNEY)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.