Members of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games team have been recognised at Government House in Sydney with the awarding of the final Australian Sport Medals (ASM).
Representative team members from New South Wales joined Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, for the ceremony, acknowledging their contributions to the team at the Games.
Her Excellency commended all recipients on their efforts at the Games, calling out their dedication, work ethic and commitment to each other and the team, drawing upon the Australian spirit.
“There is something about the Australian spirit that sport brings out, and each and every one of you are an example of it.”
“It is with so much pride and so much honour that we say well done, fantastic on your achievement; congratulations to each and every one of you.”
Team members in attendance included Birmingham 2022 gold medallists Paige Hadley and Sarah Klau (netball), and bronze medallist Sam Fricker (diving), who were joined by Craig Phillips AM, Commonwealth Games Australia CEO and Ben Houston, Commonwealth Games Australia President.
Fricker, who provided a unique insight into the day on the Commonwealth Games Australia Instagram story, spoke to the honour of receiving the medal at the ceremony and meeting Her Excellency.
“Receiving the medal from the Governor for my time at the Commonwealth Games was a great experience,” Fricker said.
“I am super grateful for the opportunities my sport has granted me and thank Commonwealth Games Australia for nominating me! Congratulations to everyone receiving their medal.”
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Kaye Scott, silver medallist in boxing, was also presented with her medal, as she acknowledged the solemn ceremony of the day and the appreciation awarded to all team members.
“Yesterday was such a memorable experience that I’ll treasure for life,” said Scott.
“The Games themselves pass in a whirlwind; athletes consumed with competition and bringing their best performances.”
“The ASM and accompanying ceremony is a fabulous recognition and celebration of all the hard work that it takes to represent Australia on the world stage.”
Gold medallist Jasmine Greenwood (swimming), echoed the statements of other attendees, as well as the significance of the ceremony and receiving the medal.
“To receive my ASM on Tuesday was a great honour, and to be recognised for my efforts at the 2022 Commonwealth Games alongside many other incredible Australian athletes was a privilege,” said Greenwood.
“To also be in the first wave of Commonwealth Games athletes to be recognised with such a prestigious Australian medal is highly significant to me, and will encourage many future stars of Australian Commonwealth sports to represent the nation with great pride and sportsmanship, which are key attributes that the ASM recognises in athletes.”
The ASM Ceremony in Sydney concludes the formalities that have been held across Australia to recognise team members from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Australia’s history-making Birmingham 2022 Games team members were the first-ever Commonwealth Games athletes and officials to receive the Australian Sports Medal, and we extend out sincerest congratulations to all on their contributions to and successes at the Games.
Over 450 team members were nominated by Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) to receive the ASM, after the Australian team topped the overall medal table at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, with 178 medals, including 67 gold, 57 silver and 54 bronze.
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