The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has congratulated 20 Olympians and several contributors to the Olympic Movement who today received Australia Day.
The Paris Olympians awarded an OAM for securing their first Olympic gold medal are cyclists Saya Sakakibara, Grace Brown, Oliver Bleddyn, Conor Leahy, Sam Welsford and Kelland O’Brien, swimmers Shayna Jack, Cameron McEvoy, Lani Pallister, Olivia Wunsch and Jamie Perkins, tennis players Matthew Ebden and John Peers, canoeist Noemie Fox, pole vaulter Nina Kennedy and skater Arisa Trew.
Triple-Olympian footballer Clare Polkinghorne, Melbourne 1956 Olympic footballers William Henderson and Ronald Lord, Sydney 2000 handballer Dr Vera Ignjatovic, former Judo Australia President Robert Katz and Taekwondo Australia President Hassan Iskander were also acknowledged for their service to sport and the community.
Olympic swimming coach and inspirational motivator Laurie Lawrence was appointed as Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his decades of distinguished service.
Several contributors to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games also received recognition, including composer Paul Begaud who wrote “Dare to Dream” which was sung by Olivia Newton John and John Farnham in the Opening Ceremony.
AOC President Ian Chesterman AM congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their remarkable contributions.
“Winning 18 gold medals in Paris was a remarkable performance by the Australian Team and I am delighted to see our sixteen new gold medallists recognised,” Chesterman said. “Our athletes’ successes in Paris filled the nation with pride and inspired Australians of all ages.
“Receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia is a profound honour and a reflection of the incredible dedication these athletes have shown to their sport and sharing the Olympic spirit with us all,” Mr Chesterman said.
“I am also thrilled to see Olympians from as far back as Melbourne 1956 honoured, and to celebrate the leaders from our National Federations acknowledged for their incredible work to provide opportunities for Australians of all ages to participate in and grow through sport.
“It is wonderful to see volunteers and contributors to the success of our last home Games in Sydney 25 years ago celebrated in this year’s Honours List.
“With Brisbane 2032 only seven years away, it’s a reminder that so many Australians can play a vital role in contributing to the success of hosting the world’s biggest event.
“Laurie Lawrence has had a profound impact on Australian society, not only through his world class coaching and motivation, but his vital work in promoting water safety for all Australians.
“The AOC is proud to celebrate all of our Olympians and those involved in Olympic sport who have been acknowledged in today’s honours,” he said.
*Note – Several Australian gold medallists at Paris 2024 have already received an OAM after winning gold at previous Olympic Games.
