Lydia Lassila (Aerial Skiing), Tim Cahill (Football), Nova Peris (Athletics & Hockey) and Kim Brennan (Rowing) will be inducted as Athlete Members while Olympic rower Tim McLaren is being recognised for his coaching as a General Member.

AOC President Ian Chesterman says Hall of Fame membership is a rare honour, and this group of Olympians could not be more deserving.

“Each of the Athlete Members have a storied career in their respective sports while Tim McLaren not only represented his country at the Games but went on to be a rowing coach at the very highest level.

“My congratulations to all these wonderful retired athletes who have proved to be great role models for future generations of Australians. Each has an extraordinary story to tell,” Mr Chesterman said.

Lydia Lassila is a five-time Olympian including a gold medallist in Vancouver in 2010 and a bronze medal four years later in Sochi in aerial skiing. Lydia has also contributed as a member of the AOC Athletes’ Commission. She is one of only six Australians to win a winter Olympic Gold medal. Ending her career at PyeongChang 2018, Lydia has left an enduring legacy for female aerial skiers.

Tim Cahill, a Socceroo great with more than one hundred caps - and in Athens in 2004, he made his Olympic debut as an Olyroo with the team making the quarter finals. Tim has had a remarkable career as a striker for Australia and playing professionally around the world, particularly the English Premier League for Millwall and Everton.

Nova Peris represented Australia at two Olympic Games in both hockey and track and field. A hockey gold medallist in Atlanta 1996, Nova’s switch to the track earned her a spot, competing in the 400 metres and 4 x 400 metres relay at the Sydney 2000 Games. She has also served time as a Federal Parliamentarian in the Senate and is currently a member of the AOC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee.

Kim Brennan (nee Crow) is a three time Olympian and Gold medal winner from Rio 2016 in the women’s single scull. She also has the unique honour of picking up a silver and bronze medal at the same Games which she achieved at London 2012 in the women’s double scull and single scull respectively. Kim is a former Chair of the AOC Athletes’ Commission.

“Tim McLaren is an Olympian who has continued that exemplary tradition of giving back to his sport after his days as an athlete concluded. A silver medallist in the men’s quadruple scull at Los Angeles 1984. His coaching career has taken him to China, England and the US where he achieved success at the head coach of the US Program. He has coached crews to six Olympic medals.

Mr Chesterman also congratulated Paralympian Kurt Fearnley who has also been selected for Induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.