Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Guess what? Tomorrow is the start of the Winter Olympics, a global celebration of athleticism, courage and—in some cases—an impressive willingness to throw yourself down an icy mountain at terrifying speeds. As somebody who's had the privilege of representing Australia at the Olympic Games, I feel uniquely qualified to speak on this matter. Admittedly, my Olympic experience involved nice hot summer days rather than snowflakes. The closest I've been to winter sports is grabbing a beer out of an ice filled esky. But once an Olympian, always an Olympian. The Winter Olympics remind us of what makes sport so special: years of training for moments that last seconds, pushing through the pain, doubt and occasional crash—all for the chance to wear the green and gold and make Australia proud.

Let's be honest: any Australian who chooses to compete in winter sports deserves an extra bit of respect. We are a country better known for beaches than for blizzards, and most of our athletes learn their craft a very long way from home. That takes grit, determination and a level of stubbornness that we can all admire. To our Australian Winter Olympic team: we are incredibly proud of all of you. Whether you bring home a medal or memories, you carry the hopes of all Australians. I'm not going to say good luck, because luck is for those who haven't put in the hard yards. Stay safe, and remember that, no matter how cold it gets, Australia is fully behind you. Enjoy it.