Victorian members of Australia’s history-making Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games team have become the latest to be bestowed with the esteemed Australian Sports Medal (ASM).
The attendees, who were presented their medal by the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Govenor of Victoria, included gold medallists Eileen Cikamatana (weightlifting), Alexandra Kiroi-Bogatyreva (rhythmic gymnastics) and Cole Pearse (para-swimming).
Also in attendance was Craig Phillips AM, Commonwealth Games Australia CEO, who acknowledged the tremendous efforts of everyone involved in the team during the Games.
Alongside Phillips, Jeroen Weimar, Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee CEO, showing support for the legacy CGA is creating and hoping to bring to the upcoming games.
For Nathan Tang (badminton), receiving the medal was especially poignant, a recognition of everyone’s involvement in the team, as well as the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all.
“Receiving the Australian Sports Medal was a huge honour and one of my proudest moments,” Tang said.
“Meeting Her Excellency and being amongst not only athletes, but behind the scenes members from the Commonwealth Games Team, really reminded me of how much of a team we are.”
Caitlin Ward (cycling), who rides alongside as a pilot for Jess Gallagher in the cycling sprint and time trial events, winning two gold medals in Birmingham, echoed Tang’s statements.
“I feel so humbled and honoured to be considered and be awarded such a prestigious medal,” Ward said.
“The Australian Sports Medal represents the dedication and commitment it took for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games Team to be the most successful Australian team in history, and to be a part of this team and be recognised by the country and the governor for my contributions and achievements, is special beyond words.”
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Tim Mahon, B2022 Chief Operating Officer, also spoke to the honour and significance of receiving the medal
“I felt elements of pride, elements of recognition, elements of seeing people again, a set of mixed positive emotions as a result of what we achieved and being recognised for that,” Mahon said.
“But also, the very fact that there is this belief that we were privileged to be a part of a really special moment from a games perspective that has continued on after they have finished – geez, how good’s this!”
Over 450 team members have been nominated by Commonwealth Games Australia to receive the ASM after the Australian team topped the overall medal table at the Birmingham Games, with 178 medals, including 67 gold, 57 silver and 54 bronze.
Ceremonies to honour Queensland and New South Wales based team members will be held in November, concluding the awarding of the Australian Sport Medal to Birmingham 2022 team members.
