Tasmania is a proud sporting State that punches well above its weight on the world stage, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have once again proven that.
Ariarne Titmus set the tone for the Tasmanian athletes, etching her name into the record books by claiming two Olympic Gold Medals, as well as a Silver and a Bronze. This amazing feat saw the 20 year old become the first Tasmanian to win an individual Olympic Gold Medal, the first Tasmanian to win multiple medals at one Olympic Games, and just the third Australian in history after Shane Gould and Ian Thorpe to win the 200 and 400 metres double.
I was delighted to see Eddie Ockenden and Josh Beltz win Silver medals in the Hockey final against Belgium. This was such a fantastic result for Kookaburras co-captain Ockenden in his fourth Olympic campaign, adding to the 34 year old Tasmanian's illustrious list of career achievements which includes Gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and Hockey World Cup. After being initially selected as a reserve, Beltz was upgraded to a full member of the squad before the Kookaburras' first Olympic match, so to now be an Olympic silver medallist in his first Olympic campaign is an outstanding achievement by the 26 year old Tasmanian who played very well during the tournament.
It was also fantastic to see Tasmanians rally behind Stewart McSweyn throughout his Olympic campaign, with the King Island Hotel even naming a drink after him and the King Island Bakery selling 'Go Stewie Donuts'. To finish 7th in an Olympic 1500 metre final is an inspiring effort, which has cemented the 26 year old as one of the best middle-distance runners Australia has ever produced.
Launceston born basketballer Chris Goulding was also instrumental in the Boomers' historic win over Slovakia in a thrilling bronze medal match on Saturday night.
Qualifying for an Olympic or Paralympic Games is an incredible achievement in itself and I congratulate all of the Tasmanians who competed in Tokyo:
- Stewart McSweyn (athletics);
- Ariarne Titmus (swimming);
- Daniel Watkins (canoe slalom);
- Georgia Baker and Richie Porte (cycling);
- Jacob Birtwhistle (triathlon);
- Eddie Ockenden and Josh Beltz (hockey);
- Sarah Hawe and Ciona Wilson (rowing);
- Nathaniel Atkinson (Football); and
- Chris Goulding (Basketball).
These amazing athletes have no doubt inspired many young Tasmanians to strive to follow in their footsteps.
