Mermaid Queen: The Spectacular True Story of Annette Kellerman, Who Swam Her Way to Fame, Fortune & Swimsuit History! As a child growing up in Australia, Annette Kellerman confronted a crippling illness and grew up to become a world-renowned athlete who revolutionized the sport of swimming for women, a movie star who invented water ballet, and a fashion revolutionary who modernized the swimsuit. Full color. Full description