Rio Olympic women dominate Australia Day honours list

IT was the first time an Australian Olympic team had gender parity but when it comes to Australia Day Honours our top female athletes from Rio are way ahead of the rest.

Olympic gold medallists Kim Brennan and Catherine Skinner.

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IT was the first time an Australian Olympic team had gender parity but when it comes to Australia Day Honours, our top female athletes from Rio are leading the race.

Of the 22 Summer and Winter Olympic team athletes included on the Australia Day Honours list, all but four are women — a reflection of our female athletes success in Rio.

Olympic rowing gold medallist Kim Brennan, the women’s sevens rugby team, shooter Catherine Skinner, pentathlete Chloe Esposito and 4x100m freestyle relay swimmers Madison Wilson, Bronte Campbell and Emma McKeon are all on the Australia Day Honours list.

Sailor Tom Burton, swimmers Kyle Chalmers and Mack Horton and Winter Olympian Dale Begg-Smith have also been included.

Australia's Ellia Green celebrating the rugby sevens gold.

“It is such a special honour,’’ said Brennan, a member of the AOC Executive who has now retired from Olympic rowing.

“Being able to represent my country on the world stage is incredibly humbling, but just as special is the opportunity to share the Olympic spirit with the Australian community.”

she said.

Brennan retired with three Olympic medals while the rugby sevens women, Esposito and Skinner all made golden debuts in Rio.

Australia's Chloe Esposito crosses the line to win the combined running/shooting portion of the women's modern pentathlon.

“All 22 recipients are outstanding ambassadors and espouse the Olympic ideals of fair play and sportsmanship,” said Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates.

“Kim Brennan’s dedication and determination has paid off with three Olympic medals and she thoroughly deserves this accolade.’

“Off the water she has also made an enormous contribution as a leader of our Athletes’ Commission and as a member of the AOC Executive.’’

Gold medallists Australia after beating New Zealand.

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS LIST — OLYMPIANS

Kimberley Jean BRENNAN Rowing, Women’s Single Sculls (AM)

Thomas Michael BURTON Sailing (Laser) (OAM)

Chloe Jeannie ESPOSITO Modern Pentathlon (OAM)

Catherine Ann SKINNER Women’s Trap, Shooting (OAM)

Nicole Elise BECK Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Charlotte Emily CASLICK Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Emilee Jane CHERRY Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Olympic swimmers Madison Wilson and Emma McKeon

Chloe Elysha DALTON Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Gemma ETHERIDGE Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Ellia Tiriseyani GREEN Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Shannon Michelle PARRY Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Evania Faaea Sarona PELITE Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Alicia Jane QUIRK Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Emma Kate TONEGATO Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Amy Justine Desma TURNER Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Sharni Maree WILLIAMS Women’s Rugby Sevens (OAM)

Olympic athlete Chloe Esposito with fans.

Kyle Brett CHALMERS Swimming, Men’s 100m Freestyle (OAM)

Mackenzie James HORTON Swimming, Men’s 400m Freestyle (OAM)

Madison Maree WILSON Swimming, Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay (OAM)

Bronte Lynn CAMPBELL Swimming, Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay (OAM)

Emma Jennifer McKEON Swimming, Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay (OAM)

Dale Nygel BEGG-SMITH Men’s Moguls Skiing, Torino 2006.(OAM)

Swimmers Mack Horton and Kyle Chalmers arriving home.

Originally published as Rio Olympic women dominate Australia Day honours list