Article by John Stensholt & Jackie Epstein, courtesy of the Courier Mail.
Billionaires, swimming gold medallists, Olympic officials and captains of industry made Gina Rinehart’s luxury Paris boat cruise a star-studded affair. The swimming and rowing stars were all dressed up for a Paris evening to sail the Seine, paired with their shiny gold Rossi boots, a gift from Mrs Rinehart. Swimming gold medallists Ariarne Titmus, Mollie O’Callaghan, Brianna Throssell, Shayna Jack and Lani Pallister were spotted on deck. Silver medallists Kyle Chalmers, Meg Harris, Elijah Winnington, Flynn Southam and Jack Cartwright and Kai Taylor, were also among the group, as were bronze medallists Joshua Yong and Matt Temple, and bronze medal winning rowers Jess Morrison and Annabelle McIntyre.
Gold medal winning swimmers Emma McKeon and Kaylee McKeown were elsewhere, opting for the red carpet of Omega House with their partners.
One of the best stories of the Games, 50m golden boy Cam McEvoy was also a notable absence. But loving the invitiation was popular equestrian silver medallist Chris Burton who looked ready to party.
Mrs Rinehart gave Chalmers a warm embrace when he boarded the swanky boat on Monday evening Paris time.
“Well, I couldn’t be more proud. How could anyone in Australia be more proud of our Olympians than we are right now,” Mrs Rinehart told the guests.
“I mean lots don’t understand the work that goes in, but I know a little of that background.” The billionaire was the first to arrive, wearing a sparkly white dress with gold flecks.
“Have a lovely evening,” she told the more than 120 guests who boarded the luxury Ducasse dur Seine boat. She added that guests, including athletes who had been eating mostly vegan meals in the village would enjoy her 2GR beef aboard.
Star swimming coach Dean Boxall was all smiles when he boarded and said his advice to the athletes was simple: “Have the best time that you possibly can, because you’ve got to wait four more years — and there’s no river in LA (for the 2028 Olympics).”
Boxall, who oversaw the gold medal campaigns for swimmers like Titmus and O’Callaghan, added that none of his athletes had to worry about any strict training regimes on the night.
“I’m just going to sit back … and let them have a good time. I should be asleep. I’m very tired. But I’m very happy.” Hancock Prospecting staff had decorated the boat with Australian flags, Can Can dancers welcomed guests and pictures of Olympic sporting history adorned the walls of the vessel. Mrs Rinehart walked in with Hancock Prospecting CEO Garry Korte and Hancock Agriculture boss Adam Giles, the former Northern Territory chief minister.
Wesfarmers boss and former Olympic rower Rob Scott was among the business types, along with Scape co-founder and Volleyball Australia president Craig Carracher. Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll was there with his president Ian Chesterman.
Athletics Australia president Brian Miller was also there, as was Rowing Australia CEO Sarah Cook. “Gina is very generously basically funding us to swim. Without her financial support, we would have nothing other than prize money,” said Elijah Winnington said earlier in the day. “So obviously that helps. But she also, like you said, is almost like this godmother figure. I don’t know many other financial backers that would come to the swimming every single night, waving the Australian flag and standing up for every single person’s race.
“I think she has a real passion for the swimmers, and it really shows. And you know, we have to be thankful for her.”
Brianna Throssell said she couldn’t wait to celebrate. “I think it’ll be a beautiful evening,” she said. Kai Taylor said all the swimmers were grateful for the support.
