Article by Gabrielle Becerra Mellet, courtesy of The West Australian.
Families and fans gathered in the heart of Perth yesterday to welcome home athletes from one of Australia’s most memorable Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The sport stars crowded into Forrest Place for a formal acknowledgement of their achievements by the State Government and City of Perth.
WA Minister for Sport and Recreation David Templeman said the athletes had made the State proud.
“To all of you, we think you are such wonderful role models for us in WA,” he said.
“The Paris Games also remind us how important it is to have a robust grassroots sport and recreation system, because that’s where so many of our Olympians and Paralympians first fell in love with their sport.”
Six-year-old Alex Higgins was excited to welcome home his uncle, Sam Harding, after watching him compete in Paris.
“Quite fun,” he said of tuning into the Games.
Tennis player John Peers, who won gold in the doubles with fellow West Aussie Matt Ebden, said wearing his medal gave him so much joy.
“The inner child comes out and everyone’s so excited.” he said. “For me to be able to give back a little bit, it just gives back to the excitement I had as a child growing up.
“I remember when I was in primary school we were fortunate to have an Olympian come to the school, I still remember the day, he was in athletics.”
Hockey player and five-time Olympian Eddie Ockenden was flanked by his family at yesterday’s event.
He said the Paris Games was the first time his young sons could join him for an Olympics.
“I had all three when we were in Tokyo but obviously they couldn’t travel — but this time they could come and watch and experience the Olympics and obviously they’re a little bit older,” he said. “I thought it was pretty special.”
For Lisa and Craig Cox, it was one of only a handful of times they’ve seen their daughter, Olympic rower Bronwyn Cox, due to the overseas training she’s had over the past five months.
“It’s been about five, six months because she’s been training in Europe,” Mrs Cox said.
“Even in Paris I only saw her twice, so this is literally a big homecoming.”
Australian Olympians brought home a total of 53 medals across both individual and team events from Paris, while the Paralympic team won 63 medals.
