The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has congratulated Australia’s first Winter Olympic gold medalist Steven Bradbury OAM after he was presented with a bravery award by the Queensland Governor in Brisbane yesterday.
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The short track speed skating champion from Salt Lake 2002 was recognised on Tuesday by Queensland Governor Jeanette Young for his bravery in rescuing four teenagers from rough seas at Caloundra in March last year.
AOC President Ian Chesterman praised Bradbury’s courage and quick thinking that saved lives.
“The fact that Steven acted quickly, calmly and with such courage is so impressive. He richly deserves this recognition. We have always admired Steven for the way he has made history on the ice, but his actions last year reflect an incredible achievement – saving four young lives.
“I know he has talked about going into “Olympic mode” as the emergency required decisive action. He always had amazing courage as an athlete and it has served him well here,” Mr Chesterman said.
The Salt Lake 2004 champion was teaching his son to surf when he spotted a teenaged girl in trouble. He sent his son to alert lifeguards while he paddled to the young woman, who he returned to the beach before paddling out again to assist three more teenagers in trouble.
Steven Bradbury not only won Australia’s first gold medal at a Winter Games, he was part of the Australian short track speed skating relay team that won Australia’s first-ever winter Olympic medal, a bronze in Lillehammer in 1994.
His act of bravery has previously been commended by Governor General David Hurley, among other recipients of the Australian Bravery Decorations.
