As we get ready for the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, it's a great opportunity to celebrate the amazing success of Indigenous Australian athletes.
At just 19, Callum Peters earnt a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham competing in boxing. Less than two years later Callum became one of the first Indigenous athletes to qualify for Paris, after winning gold at the 2023 Pacific Games. The young South Australian will look to make history as the first Australian to win gold in boxing at an Olympic Games. His hard work, skill and never-give-up attitude serve as a source of motivation for all Australians, highlighting the strength and ability of Indigenous athletes.
Peters will join a group of 60 Indigenous athletes who have previously represented Australia at the Olympic Games.
At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics Amanda Reid became the first Australian woman to win a Paralympic Gold medal in cycling. Despite breaking the world record in Women's 500m Time Trial C1-3 in Tokyo, she is determined to go even faster in her qualification for Paris. In doing so Reid is hoping her performance will inspire the next generation of Indigenous athletes.
Callum and Amanda have already shown their sporting strength and talent on the global stage. We wish them and all our Australian athletes every success at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Did you know that:
- Cathy Freeman was the first Indigenous individual gold medallist, competing at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games
- Kevin Coombs was first the Indigenous Australian Paralympian, competing at the inaugural Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960. He competed in Wheelchair Basketball and Athletics across 5 Paralympic Games.
Find out more about our Australian Indigenous Olympians and Paralympians.