Adrian Roberts posted sad news about his wife Melissa Roberts, OAM (53, Australia, MSF bio here, @melswims) who fought cancer valiantly for the past 14 years

He wrote, “As Melissa’s husband, I bring the heart breaking news that Mel has lost her fight with cancer and passed away peacefully in her sleep early this morning.

Mel, will always be a multiple world champion, a devoted wife, loving sister, proud stepmother, inspiration and friend to so many.

To me Mel was beautiful and loving in so many ways and taught me so much as a person and a father during the time we shared together.

I know she inspired many others during her life and swimming career, and she carried the determination and strength from those days into every part of her life and in particular her fight with cancer over the past 14 years.

Those who knew her will remember her not only for her incredible achievements in the water, but for her kindness, determination and to the very end, the way she always put others first.

Her loss leaves a space that can never truly be filled, but her legacy, both in sport and in life, will continue to ripple across the oceans with every stroke she takes and with everyone she met.

Rest peacefully Mel, thank you for being you, for the inspiration, the courage and the love you shared so generously. I am going to miss you so much, you are forever loved and will always have a place in my heart and I know one day we will go for a swim together once more.”

She was a world-class swimmer, an Olympics announcer, a tireless administrator, a passionate coach, and a cheerleader and mentor for so many in the sport of open water swimming.

During the 2013 IMSHOF induction ceremony Roberts expressed the depth of her heartfelt gratitude, “The sport that has shaped so much of my life continues to bring unexpected and meaningful moments. Today, I was honoured to be recognised in the Australia Day Honours with the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to swimming.

Although swimming is often seen as an individual pursuit, my journey has never been a solo one. I’m grateful for the many people who have supported, guided, and encouraged me over the years, as well as my chosen family, whose steady belief has been invaluable.

I’ve been fortunate to contribute to the sport through volunteer roles with World Aquatics (Fina), Swimming Australia, Swimming Victoria, Singapore Swimming, and both the International and Australian Marathon Swimming Halls of Fame.

Being part of these communities has been a privilege and a responsibility I’ve never taken lightly.

Swimming has also been a huge part of my life it’s a place where I’ve found purpose, friendships, and a sense of belonging. And to the swimmers I’ve taught and coached, thank you. Seeing you grow in confidence and joy in the water has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.”

Teammate and fellow competitor Shelley Taylor-Smith said, “It was a privilege to wear the green and gold alongside you Mel. A privilege to stand on the podium and applaud you Mel. However the greatest privilege has been witnessing you live your life authentically with courage and conviction n your longest marathon – 14 years with cancer. I speak on behalf of my fellow open water swimmers and community, thank you Mel for inspiring us. Your legacy lives on for us all to aspire to.“

Among her victories was winning the 25 km race at the 1994 World Championships in 5 hours 48 minutes in Rome at the age of 19:

1994 FINA World Championships 25 km Race Results

1. Melissa Cunningham, Australia 5 hours 48 minutes
2. Rita Kovacs, Hungary 5 hours 50 minutes
3. Shelley Taylor-Smith, Australia 5 hours 53 minutes
4. Anne Chagnaud, France 6 hours 0 minutes
5. Bambi Bowman, USA 6 hours 5 minutes
6. Luciana Sagae, Brazil 6 hours 8 minutes
7. Peggy Büchse, Germany 6 hours 11 minutes
8. Samantha Chabotar, USA 6 hours 15 minutes
9. Angela Collett, New Zealand 6 hours 19 minutes
10. Monica Olmi, Italy 6 hours 20 minutes
11. Annie Grandisson, Canada 6 hours 22 minutes
12. Eva Berlanovits, Hungary 6 hours 23 minutes
13. Francesca Audano, Italy 6 hours 24 minutes
14. Kim Dyke, Canada 6 hours 25 minutes
15. Pamela Kalas, Switzerland 6 hours 28 minutes
16. Katarina Hornakova, Slovakia 6 hours 33 minutes
17. Yvetta Hlaváčová, Czech Republic 6 hours 34 minutes
18. Edith van Dijk, Netherlands 6 hours 34 minutes
19. Annette Andermatt, Switzerland 6 hours 38 minutes
20. Wandy Kater, Netherlands 6 hours 40 minutes
21. Natasha Figge, South Africa 6 hours 48 minutes
22. Brittney Wockner, New Zealand 6 hours 50 minutes
23. Zuzana Martinovičová, Slovakia 6 hours 50 minutes
24. Teodora Raptis, Northern Macedonia 6 hours 51 minutes
25. Sara Ward, Great Britain 6 hours 52 minutes

OAM: The Order of Australia is an honour that recognises Australian citizens and other persons for outstanding achievement and service. In the General Division, Service worthy of particular recognition.

© 2026 Daily News of Open Water Swimming

“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“

World Open Water Swimming Federation, a human-powered project

New Open Water Swimming Educational and Motivational Course – register here