House debates

Thursday, 5 August 2021

Statements by Members

Tokyo Olympic Games

1:30 pm

Photo of Anthony AlbaneseAnthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | | Hansard source

In the middle of tough times, our Olympians have lifted our entire nation: 15 gold medals and, hopefully, more to come; Emma McKeon, our greatest ever Olympian now, winning the 50-metre and 100-metre freestyle as well as being part of the relay team, which delivered, of course, two golds in women's swimming events; Kaylee McKeown winning the women's 100-metre and 200-metre backstroke double; Ariarne Titmus winning the 200-metre and 400-metre freestyle; Zac Stubblety-Cook winning the 200-metre breaststroke; our men's four and women's four rowers both winning; Jess Fox winning gold in the canoe slalom; Logan City's Logan Martin winning gold in the first-ever BMX freestyle event; and two golds in the sailing, to Mat Wearn and to Matt Belcher and Will Ryan. Hopefully, there's more to come. Our team is still competing.

But, of course, it's not just about winning. Peter Bol last night: a courageous run to finish fourth. Peter thanked Australia. Trust me, Peter, Australia thanks you! The wonderful 10,000-metre runner Patrick Tiernan—I'll never forget seeing him there struggling to get across the line, making sure that he finished.

Good luck tonight to the Matildas! Good luck to the Boomers! While we're in question time they will be playing the US dream team. Congratulations to all the athletes. We look forward to working up to 2032, when Brisbane hosts the Olympic Games.