Former swimming champion John Devitt, who won gold medals at the 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympics, has died, aged 86.

Later an esteemed sports administrator, Devitt broke 14 world records during his 13-year swimming career.

From Sydney, Devitt won his only individual Olympic gold medal in the 100-metres freestyle at Rome.

The race was decided in controversial circumstances, with Devitt awarded the gold medal despite the timekeepers recording a slower time than for American silver medallist Lance Larson, with the chief judge overruling the timekeepers.

He was a member of the gold medal-winning 4x200m Australian freestyle relay at the Melbourne Olympics while he also won a silver medal in the 100m freestyle at that Games plus a a bronze with the Australian 4x200m relay team in Rome.

Devitt later served as an executive on the Australian Olympic Committee and helped Sydney win the bid for the 2000 Olympics.

He was also the Australian chef de mission for the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame announced his death on Thursday in a statement but no cause was given.

Sport Australia Hall of Fame chairman John Bertrand paid tribute to Devitt.

"John was a great sportsman, a great Australian, and a great friend to many in the swimming and wider sporting communities," Bertrand said in the statement.

"He always put the athletes first.

"I send my condolences to John's wife Wendy, his family and friends and the many lives he touched throughout his decorated life."