Eumundi Voice - Issue 103, 3 October 2024

SPORT

Local heroes welcomed home

Sporting legends, families and invited supporters gathered on 16 September at the Maroochydore Surf Club to show their pride and thanks to our 41 Olympic and Paralympic athletes who live or train on the Sunshine Coast.

Hosted by Sunshine Coast Region 2032 Sports Legacy Taskforce, each athlete received a commemorative plaque. Their personal stories, struggles and achievements were revealed during interviews with former Olympic boxer Benny Pike, who began the ‘Welcome Home’ event in 1984 with MC sports broadcaster John McCoy. Among those present were the 4 original 1984 Sunshine Coast Olympians: Hayden Kenny, kayaker; Russell Sherwell and Julian Muspratt, water polo; and Rick Finch; boxing.

Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson placed bids for this region to host the Olympics in 1992, 1996, and 2000 when it went to Sydney, and is thrilled we will host the games in 2032.

Olympic swimmer Dawn Fraser holds 8 Olympic medals, 39 records and was named the World’s

Greatest Living Female Water Sports Champion in 2000 by the International Olympic Committee. Now a Noosa resident, she mentored many of the young athletes including goddaughter and relay gold medallist Lani Pallister and Swimmer of the Year, Kaylee McKeown. Dawn said, “The Coast athletes were an inspiration to youngsters.” Alexa Leary was in a coma 3 years ago and not expected to live after a terrible cycling accident. She won gold in the 100m freestyle and another as anchor of the mixed medley relay, which included Callum Simpson. Alexa dived in 6 seconds behind the Dutch swimmer. Unbelievably she powered her way to an Olympic record and gold for the team.

Kaylee’s mother Sharon accepted the Clint Robinson Perpetual Trophy for Best Olympic Performance 2024 on behalf of her absent daughter. Sharon said, “The importance of support for athletes even when they may not win, cannot be overstated. They work through

constant pressure, make incredible sacrifices in their personal life, pushing their bodies and mental health to achieve, and people expect them always to win.”

The Brendan Burkett Perpetual Trophy for best Paralympian 2024 went to 17yo swimmer

Callum Simpson, who won 2 gold and 1 silver medal. Proud father Nigel captained the English Rugby 7s team for many years.

Sunshine Coast University now has a sporting excellence programme including disabled athletes. The new Olympic Chef de Mission Bridie Kean is USC lecturer and an Olympic wheelchair medallist.

Eileen Walder (Former secretary of the SC Olympic Committee)