Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic athletes honoured at Brisbane parade
Queensland Premier and newly minted Olympics Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has praised Queensland’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes as hundreds gather for a parade in the city.
Brisbane City
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Queensland’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes are being celebrated in the heart of Brisbane at King George Square.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who was on Thursday sworn in as Queensland’s Olympics Minister ahead of the 2032 Games, shouted ‘Queenslander’ as she acknowledged the Olympians and Paralympians,
“Today is a celebration about acknowledging the achievements of these inspiring Queenslanders who went to Tokyo in the most difficult of times and came back Olympic heroes,” she said.
“We are incredibly proud of their efforts, aren’t we?
“If our Queensland Olympians had been a country in their own right we would’ve come 7th in the world.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said was not just about the medals but so much more.
“It’s about the blood, sweat and tears and about that Aussie mateship,” he said.
“Whether you win or not, it’s about that inspiration, there is a reason you inspire us.”
Susie O’Neill congratulated both teams and said they equalled our highest ever medal tally.
“There is so much to be proud of with this team, over half the team we’re females and we had the highest number of Indigenous athletes,” she said.
O’Neill said the announcement of Brisbane 2032 had been a perfect boost for the team.
“It really lifted our team and lifted the Olympic spirit and we could really feel it.”
Paralympics Australia Ambassador Tim Carmody said Australia ranked first in our hearts.
“We publicly salute and applaud all of your achievements.”
“It is not letting what you cannot do stopping you from what you can do.”
Hundreds of people gathered to welcome our athletes.
Beach volleyball gold medallist Natalie Cook and swimming legend Dawn Fraser were among the supporters braving the heat.
Logan Martin said the skate park in his backyard caused a few complaints from his neighbours but it all worked out.
“To now be an Olympic gold medallist, it has changed my life completely,” he said
“Paris is just under three years time definitely … I’ve still got a lot of life left in me on my bike.”
“We have a little girl on the way due in January so it’s very exciting.”
Ariarne Titmus, who has just returned to training, said her life has changed.
“Training has been pretty rough this week, I have done zero seconds of exercise since the Olympics.
“I guess the main goal is be ready for Paris … I know what the feelings were like at Tokyo and I want to feel that again.
“Dad brings the medals out like they’re his medals … I am very grateful for my family they are very supportive and I am very lucky.”
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