The Swimming New Zealand community mourns the sudden passing of Dennis Miller

A true friend of aquatic sport in our region.

Swimming New Zealand President Professor David Gerrard acknowledged the huge contribution made by Dennis from grassroots to international levels.

“Dennis was a passionate advocate for all aquatic disciplines and earned respect for his quiet, unassuming style. His contribution to Oceania was immeasurable and his appointment to FINA Vice-Presidency not only reflected his international standing but also his mana in our region.”

We will miss Dennis for his unstinting support for Oceania at the FINA Board table, his advocacy for the athlete and above all else his friendship. Dennis leaves an outstanding legacy and the greatest respect we can pay him is to continue the work he so capably led.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Glynis and the extended Miller Family.”

Statement from FINA

As an administrator working behind the scenes, Dennis Miller dedicated his career to the development of Aquatics in Oceania, but also worldwide, within the FINA family.

Hailing from Fiji, Miller was a former national champion in the 100m butterfly. Having studied in Australia, Mr Miller joined the Fijian Public Service and Trade and Investment Board, alongside starting his career in swimming governance, notably being Swim Team Manager at the 1982 Commonwealth Games and 1988 Olympic Games, and Chef de Mission of the Fijian team at the 1996 Olympic Games, alongside many other major swimming and multisport events.

Dennis Miller became Executive Director of the Oceania National Olympic Committees in 1997, as well as President of the Oceania Swimming Association since 2008.

Within FINA, Mr Miller also became a Member of the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee in 1997, serving for over 10 years, before joining the FINA Bureau, where he has been a liaison for this discipline.

He was presently FINA Vice-President and member of the FINA Executive.

In this moment of grief, FINA addresses its heartfelt condolences to Mr Miller’s family and friends, as well as to the entire Aquatic community in Fiji and Oceania.

Miller was 61 years old and is survived by his wife and three children.