Three-time Olympian Nicole Livingstone was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to sports development and administration, to the promotion of women in sport, and to community health.

Olympic weightlifter Tia-Claire Toomey (Rio 2016) and legendary swimming coach John ‘JR’ Rodgers were appointed as Members of the Order of Australia (AM) for their significant service.

Olympians Stephen Handley (Rowing, Moscow 1980) and John 'Max' McAlary (Wrestling, Tokyo 1964) were awarded Medals of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their ongoing contributions to sport and their communities.

AOC President Ian Chesterman congratulated the recipients.

“The King’s Birthday Honours are a wonderful recognition of the many ways Olympians and those involved in Olympic sport contribute to Australian society,” Mr Chesterman said.

“Each of these recipients has carried the Olympic spirit beyond the Games themselves —through coaching, leadership, advocacy or community service, and their ongoing contributions are deeply inspiring.”

A triple Olympic swimmer competing at Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996, Livingstone continues to shape the future of high-performance sport in Australia as CEO of the Victorian Institute of Sport.

“Nicole Livingstone’s Olympic journey continues to inspire,” Mr Chesterman said. “Her leadership at the Victorian Institute of Sport is helping the next generation of athletes pursue their dreams with the same determination she showed in the pool.

“She has been a champion for women in sport and a powerful advocate for community health. This recognition is a testament to Nicole’s continued impact on Australian sport.”

From weightlifting at the Rio Olympics to competing on the World Cup circuit in bobsleigh, to the peak of CrossFit international competition, Toomey has made an incredible imprint on Australian sport.

With a career spanning over 50 years, JR has guided generations of Olympic talent, including Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Kareena Lee in the 10km open water swim.

“John Rodgers’ coaching legacy is extraordinary,” Mr Chesterman continued. “He has dedicated his life to nurturing excellence in swimming, with unwavering commitment to his athletes and the sport.

“Tia-Clair Toomey’s extraordinary achievements have transcended the weightlifting platform,” Mr Chesterman said. “She’s become a symbol of elite performance and continues to inspire everyday Australians.

“Stephen Handley embodies the spirit of lifelong service to sport. From his days in the Olympic boat to his ongoing community involvement, his recognition is well deserved.

“John McAlary’s contribution to wrestling stretches far beyond his own Olympic career. His decades of service speak to a deep passion for developing sport at the grassroots.”

“What stands out is the lifelong impact these Olympians continue to make. Their commitment to sport and community has never faded — they are still inspiring, leading, and giving back in meaningful ways.

“This is what the Olympic spirit is all about. It’s not just what our athletes do in competition, it’s the example they set and the legacy they build for generations to come.”

Many other inspiring Australians were celebrated for their contribution to sport in their communities.

“Our member sports are the beating heart of the Olympic Movement in Australia. Congratulations to all those recipients rightfully acknowledged for their contribution to sport as volunteers, coaches, administrators and participants and thank you for your ongoing contribution to the Olympic Movement.”