Australia’s best Winter Olympics ever

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25 February 2010

The Minister for Sport Kate Ellis has congratulated 28 year old Lydia Lassila on her gold medal winning performance at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

“Lydia Lassila exemplifies the fighting spirit that we as Australians are so proud of.

“Injury after injury Lydia has got back up and fought on – today reaching her dream of Olympic gold.”

Lydia started her sporting career as a gymnast. She had aimed to represent Australia in gymnastics at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, but was forced to retire from the sport at the age of 16 due to injury.

Lydia switched sports, making the successful transition to aerial skiing through a national talent identification program.

“Lydia’s gold medal in the women’s aerial skiing means that Australia has had its most successful Winter Olympics ever,” Ms Ellis said.

It’s been a magical Winter Olympics for Australia. Freestyle skier Dale Begg-Smith took out his second Olympic medal with silver in the men’s moguls, then Torah Bright won gold for Australia.

“Our Vancouver champions join the ranks of Australia’s previous Winter Olympic medallists Alisa Camplin, Steven Bradbury, Zali Steggall and the 5000m short track relay team. It is esteemed company,” Ms Ellis said.

Australia scored two gold medals at Salt Lake in 2002, and a gold and a bronze at the Turin Winter Olympics in 2006. With three medals at Vancouver – including two gold – Vancouver is now the peak of Australian Winter Olympic history.

“Each and every member of the Australian team can be proud of the sporting history they’ve made. All of us back here in Australia are very proud of you.”

All three women who made it into today’s aerial skiing finals have been supported by the Australian Institute of Sport.

Lydia Lassila and Liz Gardiner have each held scholarships for a decade, while four-time Winter Olympian Jacqui Cooper has been an AIS scholar for 15 years.

“Today we also thank all the coaches and support staff who have worked so hard over many years to help these women reach their sporting dreams.”

For more information, please contact the Minister's office on (02) 6277 7350