Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

A couple of us do! There are prominent examples of the power of sport to unite and not divide us. Just at the last Olympics, during the Paris Games, the refugee Olympic team made up an independent Olympic participation because they can't compete for their own countries. It was so incredibly compelling to see that team compete without the kinds of resources and support the national teams get. Athletes compete independently, unable to represent their home countries due to conflict or displacement. But visibility for that refugee team is incredibly important. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Cindy Ngamba—I won't do justice to her name—a refugee from Cameroon, won the refugee team's very first medal, a bronze in the women's middleweight boxing. Now, that is historic and important.

We must continue to acknowledge the pain caused when politics interferes with sport. Athletes were let down when their moment of pride and achievement came in 1980 and was overshadowed by political decisions. We must ensure that never again athletes are asked to sacrifice their dreams for political purposes. I thank the Prime Minister for yesterday recognising the Australian Olympic Committee for their efforts in bringing together the 1980 Olympic team and celebrating those athlete in the way they deserve.

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