Australian Paris Olympians, Paralympians get Welcome Home in Sydney on Friday

Skateboarder and surfer Ruby Trew is still tossing up which sport to contest in LA but can’t wait to share her Paris experience at a Welcome Home for Olympians and Paralympians on Friday

The Welcome Home is the first time Olympian and Paralympians will be honoured together. Picture: Richard Dobson

Skateboader and surfer Ruby Trew doesn’t know which sport she wants to do at the next Olympics in LA in 2028 just yet but she knows she wants to repeat the extraordinary experience of competing for Australia at the Paris Olympics and inspire other teenagers to dream big.

Trew is currently at Bells Beach, Victoria, at a Surfing Australia performance camp but will be back in Sydney in time for the first Welcome Home for both Olympians and Paralympians in Sydney at Tumbalong Park on Friday.

 ”It will be so cool,’’ said the Sydney schoolgirl and skateboarder who just missed a place in the Park final in Paris and a teammate of 14-year-old Olympic gold medallist Arisa Trew.

”It was so great in Paris. But it will be so nice to share this all with Australians back here at home.’’

Trew is yet to decide whether she will pursue skateboarding or surfing - or potentially both if feasible - for the LA Olympics.

Olympic Skateboarder Ruby Trew will be at the NSW Welcome Home event at Tumbalong Park for our Olympians and Paralympians on Friday. Picture: Richard Dobson

But she knows she wants to experience the Olympic moment again and continue to share some of her best memories with other young athletes hoping to make a charge at the Games stage one day in the future.

”It’s so good to tell people what happened over there. they are always interested and asking questions.,’’ she said.

The Welcome Home is the first time Olympian and Paralympians will be honoured together.

Trew and Zara Campion, who plays wheelchair basketball in Sydney, joined forces to promote the first of a series of Welcome Home events around the country starting on Friday.

The public can meet team athletes at the events, grab a selfie or an autograph with their heroes and be inspired by the stories of Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Sydney.

Athletes from across a wide range of sports will be in Sydney, including silver medal winning foiling windsurfer Grae Morris, just 20, and already planning his LA assault, and members of the Stingers water polo team.

Grae Morris from Sydney won silver at his first Olympics.

Some NSW athletes are unable to attend as they are competing overseas, including the fabulous Fox sisters Jess and Noemie.

“Bringing the two champion teams together is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate what is great about sport,’’ said Australian Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll

“These welcome home events will be the first opportunity children and families will have to meet their Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic heroes, and really connect with their athletes.

“The power of sport will be on display, not only inspiring the next generation of Aussie athletes, but demonstrating sport leaves no one behind. Olympic and Paralympic sports offer all Australians the ability to have a go.”

The NSW Welcome Home Celebration is at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, on Friday from 12pm.