The life-size replica of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid next to care home resident Tony Milton gives a strong hint to his earlier sporting endeavours in the Olympic swimming pool.

Tony, aged 85, lives at the 25-bed Forder Lane House Care Home in Dartington, owned and managed by South Devon Rural Housing Association (SDR).

Both his parents were both Olympic swimmers, so it’s no surprise that in his twenties Tony followed in his parents’ wake and also took to the Olympic swimming pool, competing in the 4x200 freestyle relay event at the 1960 Summer Games in Rome. His team finished fourth, in a new European record time.

The Little Mermaid statue was a gift to Tony’s father Freddie from Denmark’s Carlsberg Brewery in recognition of his services to the company. He was even awarded the Order of the Dannebrog (like a knighthood) for his services to Danish business.

Freddie was following in the footsteps of his father – Frederick senior – who had joined Carlsberg early in the 20th Century when demand for horses from his London stables dwindled due to the growing use of cars. As a director, Frederick played a pivotal role in bringing Carlsberg to the UK.

Tarzan’s record

Tony’s father Freddie and mother Irene both competed at the Olympic Games in 1932 (Los Angeles) and 1936 (Berlin). Freddie was a member of the GB water polo team, while Irene was competing in the pool for her native Canada. Irene’s brother Bob was a Canadian champion in the pool. Tony’s uncle, Bob Pirie, broke the 220 yard freestyle record set by US Olympic legend Johnny (Tarzan) Weissmuller.

Freddie and Irene later married and brought up their son Hamilton Milton, known to all as Tony, to share their love of the water. Tony would also compete in an Olympic pool – in Rome, 1960.

Tony worked with his father for Carlsberg while he was swimming competitively but later left to set up his own business. Tony met his late wife Pat in London at a water polo match. They married and had two children.

The mermaid statue – a life-size replica made of fibreglass – now has pride of place in a secure location within sight of Tony’s room at the care home.

Very special

Daughter Kelly Milton-Zaki said: “My brother and I have fond memories of the mermaid, which we first saw by the side of our grandparents’ swimming pool in Spain, where they retired. It’s very special to us”. 

Tony has numerous items of Olympic memorabilia, including scrap books, medals, his Olympic tracksuit and Olympic passes from his time as an active competitor on the world stage.

Christine Candlish, SDR’s Chief Executive, said: “People who become residents at Forder Lane House are able to bring something from home when they move in. But this is the first time we’ve had a mermaid arriving with one of our clients! Tony is something of a celebrity, with his Olympic swimming pedigree, and we’re privileged to have him as one of our residents”.

Tony Milton with the mermaid statue outside his room at the care home. Ready to swim: Tony’s parents – Irene Pirie and Freddie Milton.