Review: Fanny and Mina: The Fastest of Friends

Did you know that it wasn’t until 2020 that the number of Olympic swimming event opportunities for women equalled that available for men?

That’s just one fact that has stayed with me after reading Samantha Tidy and Hilary Cresp’s new narrative non-fiction picture book, Fanny and Mina: The Fastest of Friends.

At the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, Fanny Durack and Mina Wylie – both in their twenties – became the first Australian female Olympic swimmers and the first women in the world to win Olympic medals in swimming.

However, getting there in the first place wasn’t without considerable challenge at the hands of officials, rule-makers and some elements of the Australian public. People were firmly divided on the opinion of whether it was appropriate for women to be seen swimming in public, let alone ‘stealing’ any of the spotlight from men.

Remember – this was the early 1900s and the 1912 Stockholm Olympics marked the first time women were allowed to compete.

But still …

Fanny and Mina’s story begins in the pool. Readers then experience the swimmers’ elation at the initial announcement and thought that they may be able to live out their lifelong dream. This excitement is quickly followed by disbelief and disappointment when the Australian Olympic Committee announced that “It’s a waste of time and money to send women to the games.”

Ultimately, however, readers learn that we should never underestimate the power of a supportive Australian public or the tenacity of someone who really wants something.

Although Samantha Tidy covers a lot of ground – several years – rather rapidly in this story, she highlights the key steps in Fanny and Mina’s quest in a tightly told narrative of determination and single-minded focus. Coupled with Hilary Cresp’s bold illustrative style that is not only reflective of the time period but somehow determined in and of itself, Fanny and Mina: The Fastest of Friends sends a clear message to never give up when striving to achieve your goals.

I would have liked to have delved deeper into the events and raw emotions surrounding this historical achievement; however, I also feel that the picture book format provides a wonderful overview that will inspire readers to research further themselves. There certainly is an abundance of information out there – including some exceptional teaching activities on the National Library of Australia’s website.

A motivating and inspirational read for those interested in history, sport and feminism.

Title: Fanny and Mina: The Fastest of Friends
Author: Samantha Tidy
Illustrator: Hilary Cresp
Publisher: Windy Hollow Books (Walker) $29.99
Publication Date: 12 May 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922998231
For ages: 5 – 8
Type: Picture Book