Australia Make History With Record Breaking 18 Golds At Olympics
Australia is celebrating a record-breaking Olympics in Paris, where the nation's athletes have secured an unprecedented 18 gold medals, placing them third on the overall medal tally behind the United States and China.
This achievement has ignited celebrations across the country, with Australians taking pride in their athletes’ performances across various sports, from sailing and skateboarding to track cycling and pole vaulting.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the significance of this achievement, saying, "We are a country of 27 million people compared with the hundreds of millions in the United States and the billions in China... It is quite an extraordinary achievement." He added that Australia’s love for sport, whether individual or team-based, is deeply ingrained in the nation's culture.
4 Golds and 2 Bronze In 24 Hours Make Australian History
The last 24 hours saw four gold medals and two bronze added to Australia's tally, marking their most successful single day at any Olympic Games. Among the gold medalists were Matt Wearn in men’s dinghy sailing, Keegan Palmer in men’s skateboarding park, and Nina Kennedy in women’s pole vault. The Australian men’s track cycling team also triumphed in the 4,000m team pursuit, defeating Great Britain to claim their first gold in the event since 2004.
Keegan Palmer, who defended his Olympic title in skateboarding, expressed his disbelief after winning. "Dude, I can't even believe it, bro. I literally, like I'm speechless," he told Channel Nine. His victory continues Australia’s dominance in the event, as he remains the only person to win the men’s park final since it was introduced to the Olympics.
Nina Kennedy’s victory in pole vault was particularly special, as she became Australia’s first female champion in a field event. Clearing 4.90 metres, she secured Australia’s 18th gold medal, with commentator Bruce McAveny declaring, "Forever and a day Nina Kennedy will be the athlete that took us to 18 gold medals."
The bronze medals came from Rhydian Cowley and Jemima Montag in the mixed relay race walk marathon, and Matthew Denny in men’s discus, who became the first Australian to medal in his event. Denny’s triumph was an emotional moment as he reflected on his journey, saying, "For a kid from Allora to come here, it's pretty crazy."
Australia's 470-strong delegation to Paris has proven that their dedication and focus on athletes' well being has paid off. Olympic short track speed skater and Director of Sport at the Queensland University of Technology, Emily Rosemond, praised the athletes and their support teams, noting that a strong focus on wellbeing rather than winning at all costs has contributed to their success.
With a few days remaining in the Games, Australia still has opportunities to add to their medal tally, with events like boxing, water polo, and the mixed dinghy medal race offering further chances for victory.
