Swimmer Emma McKeon and basketball’s Patty Mills received the highest accolades, each awarded an AM (Member of the Order of Australia).

Emma McKeon was one of 23 gold medallists from the Games who were honoured. This follows her record-breaking efforts where she picked up four gold medals and three bronze – and in doing so becoming the most successful athlete in Australian Olympic history with a career total of 11 Olympic medals.

The other 22 gold medallists were all awarded an OAM – The Medal of the Order of Australia.

Patty Mills was Australia’s first Indigenous Flag Bearer before going on to lead the Boomers to a bronze medal, the first for an Australian men’s basketball team at an Olympic Games. A four-times Olympian, Patty has inspired young Australians, established and supported charities and provided pathways to inspire young Indigenous athletes to follow his example.

AOC President John Coates congratulated all the athletes on their achievements.

“So much has been said about these athletes and their wonderful Teammates. We are so very proud of every one of them - and we can be that little bit prouder today with this group honoured by their country in this way.

“Emma has set a new benchmark in Australia’s history of Olympic success, while Patty’s leadership on and off the court, and indeed beyond sport, make him such an admired Australian.

“We all know what every athlete had to contend with to just get to the start line in Tokyo, let alone reach the pinnacle as gold medallist in their sports.

“We thank their families and sports who helped them achieve this honour.

“As we prepare to embrace our Winter Team competing in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics next week, it’s a timely reminder that Olympians reflect what is good about being Australian and how they inspire others to achieve in any field of endeavour.”

Australian Olympians honoured on Australia Day