The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) has foreshadowed national recognition of Australia’s Olympic Games heroes, suggesting some of them may be in line to receive Australian Honours to go with their Olympic medals.
PM&C said Australia’s unique honours system recognised citizens for excellence, achievement or meritorious service and contributions to the country’s society across many sectors.
“Service to sport is one area celebrated through Australian Honours,” the Department said.
“We award Honours to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement,” it said.
“The Order of Australia and the Australian Sports Medal are the honours used to recognise sporting achievements.”
PM&C said the Australian Sports Medal, first established in celebration of Sydney hosting the Olympics in 2000, was re-invigorated after Australia hosted the Invictus Games in 2018.
The Department said the Medal would recognise participation by Australian teams in certain international multi-sport events.
“As the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics take place, we explore a number of Australians attending this year’s Games who have been honoured through these awards,” it said.
PM&C said that swimmer and one of Australia’s flagbearers for the Tokyo Games, Cate Campbell was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2014; equestrian rider, Andrew Hoy was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1993 and an Australian Sports Medal in 2000; wheelchair racer, Eliza Ault-Connell was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2019; T36 Athlete, James Turner was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2017; Indigenous athlete, Kyle Vander-Kuyp was awarded an Australian Sports Medal in 2000; and rower, Kimberley Brennan was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2017.