29 January 2018
Australia will be represented by 45 athletes next month in PyeongChang competing in a number of events including aerial skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh, cross country skiing and figure skating.
Minister for Sport, Senator Bridget McKenzie couldn’t be more proud of the achievements of each of the athletes.
“I am amazed that despite being one of the driest nations we have such great representation at the Winter Olympics. When people think of Australia, winter sports don’t spring to many people’s minds. But we are a proud sporting nation and we love travelling so it shouldn’t be surprising that there is such a large involvement in winter sports.
“These athletes are all already so accomplished and I am delighted to congratulate them on being selected to represent us next month in South Korea,” Minister McKenzie said.
Australia was fifth on the medal tally at the Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships in Spain last year, claiming five medals in Olympic category event: 2 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals in Olympic category events. The championship medallists will all be competing in PyeongChang.
Minister McKenzie stressed that making the Olympic team itself is a fantastic achievement.
“I am always so impressed by the stories of the competitor’s journeys and the commitment and dedication of the athletes and the inspiration it provides to all Australians.
“Having Harley Windsor, Australia’s first indigenous Australian competing at the Winter Olympics in figure skating is a gold medal success story in itself.
“Harley had never skated before when his mum took a wrong turn while driving through Blacktown in Sydney and they stumbled across an ice rink 11 years ago.
“Australian’s love to hear stories like this, of how one of us is out there giving it their best against the world.
“I was in complete awe of Brodie Summers, representing us in Freestyle skiing (moguls), when I heard about his Olympic preparations – training for his place on the team by practicing into a local dam. I am so thrilled to hear that Brodie’s dedication and hard work has paid off.
“We have lots of examples of this. Lydia Lassila has made a comeback to aerial skiing after taking a break to start a family. With the support of Australian Institute of Sport athlete grants and the wider sporting community, she’ll be heading to her fifth Olympics.
“So many great stories and examples of Australians who have achieved their goals. The whole nation will be cheering you on next month.”
The PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games will run from 9–25 February.
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