To be an Olympian

 

Amongst its objectives is to promote Olympism by undertaking and supporting activities which will progress the Olympic movement in Australia.

Find out what's happening in your state or territory or contact your respective Olympians Club President.

Herb Elliot - Athletics, Australia

It is the inspiration of the Olympic Games that drives people not only to compete but to improve, and to bring lasting spiritual and moral benefits to the athlete and inspiration to those lucky enough to witness the athletic dedication.

Herb Elliot - Athletics, Australia
IMAGE / Herb Elliot - Athletics, Australia

 

Michael Johnson - Athletics, USA

"The Olympics is the pinnacle, it is what every athlete in any sport that is included in the Olympics strives for and dreams about. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that has the history behind it and what the Olympics stands for."

Michael Johnson, Athletics - USA
IMAGE / Michael Johnson, Athletics - USA

 

Di Alagich – Football, Australia

"Being an Olympian was a special moment, I had wanted to be an Olympian since I was a little girl, so to reach your childhood dream was very special and is something nobody can ever take away from me."

Di Alagich – Football, Australia
IMAGE / Di Alagich – Football, Australia

 

Simon Upton - Swimming, Australia

"From a young age I aspired to make the Olympics. I had three brothers, so was always very competitive, but making it seemed like a distant dream. So, to make the Olympics was very surreal, I loved being on the world’s biggest stage. Everything from the torch lighting to the Closing Ceremony was incredible to be a part of."

Simon Upton - Swimming, Australia
IMAGE / Simon Upton - Swimming, Australia

 

Jason Day - Rowing, Australia

"Participating in an Olympic Games has been one of the best experiences in my life.  Very few people get the opportunity, and it really is a privilege that I never take for granted."

Jason Day - Rowing, Australia
IMAGE / Jason Day - Rowing, Australia

 

Kieran Hansen- Short Track Skating, Australia

"Being an Olympian has had a major influence in shaping my entire life and who I am as a person. Learning to deal with the highs and lows of being a competitive athlete and the life skills are learnt along the way have given me opportunities I probably wouldn’t have had otherwise."

Kieran Hansen- Short Track Skating, Australia
IMAGE / Kieran Hansen- Short Track Skating, Australia

 

Joseph Schooling - Swimming, Singapore

"What I loved about the Olympics is, it is not just about me. It’s all about my coaches, my friends, my family, they all believed that when I was a six-year-old kid I could win Olympic Gold, and I did."

Joseph Schooling - Swimming, Singapore
IMAGE / Joseph Schooling - Swimming, Singapore

 

Dawn Fraser - Swimming, Australia

"The Olympics remain the most compelling search for excellence that exists in sport, and maybe in life itself, and that’s why being an Olympian is so special."

Dawn Fraser - Swimming, Australia
IMAGE / Dawn Fraser - Swimming, Australia

 

Mary Lou Retton - Gymnastics, USA

"There can be distractions, but if you're isolated from the heart of the Games, the Olympics become just another competition. For athletes, the Olympics are the ultimate test of their worth."

Mary Lou Retton - Gymnastics, USA
IMAGE / Mary Lou Retton - Gymnastics, USA

 

Johnny Weir - figure skating, USA

"The Olympics are an event that few can fathom but all can enjoy, and that's why athletes work our whole lives to put on the greatest show on Earth."

Johnny Weir - figure skating, USA
IMAGE / Johnny Weir - figure skating, USA