Article by Jackie Epstein, courtesy of The Australian.
Billionaire Gina Rinehart treated guests on her boat cruise to a seven-course meal and a special performance by Matteo Bocelli.
As more billionaires, Olympics gold medallists, officials and captains of industry gathered for a star-stuffed evening on the Seine, Mrs Rinehart went all out to create a memorable night.
Some of the swimmers, including Lani Pallister and Mollie O’Callaghan, stepped out in the shiny gold Rossi boots gifted by Mrs Rinehart.
The seven-course meal featured Kristal caviar with thin sliced potatoes, 2GR Beef Carpaccio, smoked salmon, roasted culoiseau chicken supreme, lightly cooked salmon and peach and tangy grapes, melba peach and paris chocolate and praline delight.
Mrs Rinehart greeted all guests, including swimmers, rowers, equestrian silver medal winner Chris Burton and time trial gold medallist Grace Brown.
Swimmer Kyle Chalmers received a warm embrace when he boarded the swanky boat.
Bocelli sang a number of songs while swimmer Elijah Winnington took the microphone under the background of the Eiffel Tower to belt out We Are The Champions.
“The best way to celebrate the week with the best people,’’ Winnington posted on social media.
Gold medal-winning swimmers Emma McKeon and Kaylee McKeown were elsewhere, on the red carpet of Omega House with their partners. One of the best stories of the Games, it was understood Cam McEvoy’s notable absence was because of Covid.
“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.
Brianna Throssell captioned images from the night: “Special moments in Paris”.
