The AOC has congratulated Olympians Jakara Anthony OAM, Ash Barty AO, Colin Coates OAM and Lee Naylor OAM OLY on their recognition in this year's Queen's Birthday honours announced Sunday night.
Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics gold medallist Jakara Anthony was acknowledged for her winning performance in the Women’s Moguls, Tokyo 2020 Olympian Ash Barty for her service to tennis and youth development while Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 sprinter Lee Naylor was recognised for her service to athletics. Colin Coates competed in an astonishing six Olympic Games in speed skating and has been recognised for his services to that sport.
AOC President Ian Chesterman says all four Olympians exemplify the Olympic spirit in action.
“Jakara’s gold medal in Beijing was the highlight for a record-breaking Team at those Games and it really lifted her teammates. She’s in rare company as only the sixth Australian to win a gold medal at a Winter Games.
“Her poise, skills and determination are great examples for aspiring athletes.
“Colin Coates is a legend in winter sport having represented Australia on six occasions at Winter Games from 1968-1988. His career began in 1968 in Grenoble and finished with the Calgary Games in 1988.
"In that 20 year Olympic history, Colin achieved his best place, a sixth at Innsbruck in 1976 – an extraordinary result for an Australian at that time.
“I had the great pleasure of welcoming Ash Barty to the Australian Olympic Team in Tokyo last year in my capacity as Chef de Mission of the Australian Team.
"She is a magnificent Australian and she brought those special qualities into the Olympic environment. It was great for the Team and of course, her bronze medal in the mixed doubles with partner John Peers was a wonderful result.
“Lee Naylor continues to demonstrate those Olympic values long past a celebrated track career that saw her compete at two Olympic Games and win a Commonwealth Games gold medal.
“Lee has forged a professional career encouraging physical and mental health, having completed a doctorate in neurochemistry at Melbourne University – in the same year she competed in Sydney.
Mr Chesterman also congratulated AOC Executive Member Craig Carracher AM who was recognised for his exceptional service to volleyball through his role as Chair of Volleyball Australia.
“Craig has passionately focused on growing the sport of volleyball through participation pathways that link the game’s grassroots to the potential for Olympic representation. A silver medal in Tokyo in the women’s beach volley was a highlight.
“Recently re-elected to the AOC Executive, Craig continues to work diligently to pursue the AOC’s objectives as we prepare for Paris 2024, Milano-Cortina 2026 and beyond – with Brisbane 2032 the light on the hill for us all. It’s wonderful that Craig has been recognised for his efforts,” Mr Chesterman concluded.
