Triple Olympian Lisa Curry was the golden girl of swimming through the 1980s after she was spotted by Dawn Fraser’s coach at age 10.
Her medal haul at Brisbane’s 1982 Commonwealth Games paved the way for a successful sporting and business career.
With her fairy tale marriage to ‘Iron Man’ Grant Kenny and the arrival of three golden-haired children, Lisa has been a magazine favourite for decades.
“Being thrown into the spotlight felt easy for me because I genuinely like people. It was only when the spotlight became intrusive that it becomes a bit uncomfortable,”
says Lisa.
Lisa has led a full and rich life – reinventing herself as a champion outrigger coach, chair of the Australia Day Council and fitness entrepreneur.
But behind the scenes, for 18 years, Lisa was battling a crisis that threatened the sanctity of her tight-knit family and the life of her eldest child.
“Nobody knows what happens behind closed doors to any family. It’s not all rosy and sunshine all the time. No one knew the struggles that we had as a family,”
Her daughter Jaimi had developed an eating disorder as a teenager. She died in 2020 at age 33.
As Lisa approaches 60, she reflects on the joy of family, the heart-wrenching loss of Jaimi and the power of new beginnings.
“We have to keep on doing what we’re doing, even when we don’t feel like it,”
says Lisa.
“It’s changed her. But I see Lisa as this person who’s very resilient and I think that has helped her keep putting one foot in front of the other,”
says friend Rose Fydler.
Producers: Rebecca Armstrong and Kristine Taylor
Dear Lisa,
Watching Australian Story tonight. You are real. You are wonderful. Jamie will never be forgotten. I hope everyday in the future gets easier for you and your family as you all continue to live full and productive lives.
Monique
A sensitive professional segment well done to all involved. The closing song was perfect, what was the title of the song & the artist.
Thank you
It was her husband Mark