David Theile is the only Australian to have won an Olympic Backstroke gold medal, achieving the feat at both the 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympic Games. In recognition of Dr Thiele’s swimming achievements, the UQ Sport Aquatic Centre’s 50m Pool was named in his honour. Dr Thiele was awarded with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) in 1962, Master of Surgery in 1970, and Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa in 2001.