Olympic discus thrower Matthew Denny returns to Allora for welcome home parade
One of the region’s greatest athletes has returned to where it all began, cheered on by adoring locals who showed their love for their Olympic hero. See the pics here, and find out why locals like him so much.
Regional News
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It wasn’t an ordinary Friday afternoon for the good people of Allora, after all it’s not every day an Olympic hero is treated to a ride down the main street of the sleepy Southern Downs town.
However traffic was brought to a standstill in fanfare fit for a bronze medallist as Matthew Denny returned home and gave a taste of Olympic glory to the region.
The Olympic discus thrower won bronze at the recent Paris 2024 games and has been celebrated in his beloved home of Allora on Friday.
The 28-year-old is an icon in his hometown, with a mural of the athlete adorning the main street’s pub.
Addressing dozens of friends, family and community supporters, Denny emotionally thanked a long list of people who had supported him on his athletics journey.
“(Thank you to) all the local businesses and all the things behind the scenes, to have an opportunity like this with all the community together - I know what I do is quite a selfish endeavor - but I think it represents more than just throwing a disc a long way,” Denny said.
“I truly think of you all and the three gum trees and home circle when I’m in front of 8000 people.
“Thank you all for making today happen and giving me a chance to be this emotional, it makes me very proud to do what I do.”
Mayor Melissa Hamilton briefly thanked the community for organising the event.
“All across the Southern Downs you have inspired people, and and you are spoken about all across Australia,” the mayor said.
“I’m sure we will be on a journey with you for years to come as you are getting better and we as a community will consistently be behind you.”
The town’s biggest sports fanatic, and president of the Allora Sports Museum, Perry Cronin said Allora’s one and only Olympian was loved for his representation of the town.
“He’s not only a hero for Allora, but all of Australia, he’s respected worldwide, all the athletes (at the Olympics) looked to Matt Denny for his attitude, his inspiration and his calmness,” Mr Cronin said.
“Every time he speaks he mentions Allora, it’s a big thing, people will direct him to say he’s from Toowoomba but he’ll always correct them and say he’s from Allora.
“That’s why we like him so much.”
Mr Cronin said he has known Denny since he started out, and admired his dedication and love for the “lonely sport” of discus.
“He played footy for a bit, as did his brothers, and he knew he wanted to do something different,” Mr Cronin said.
“We’ve been behind him since he was a world youth champion, we’ve had that in the museum and we had to refresh it when he became an Olympian, and now we’re going to have to find a bronze medal!
“I always loved that he found his path and found enjoyment in something different.”
Hero’s Welcome: Friday, October 4
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Originally published as Olympic discus thrower Matthew Denny returns to Allora for welcome home parade
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