By Brad Marais
Twelve South Australians are the latest Birmingham Team Members to be presented with the prestigious honour in recognition of their incredible achievements for Australian sport.
Twelve South Australian Team Members have been presented with the Australian Sports Medal in recognition of their incredible achievements at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Recipients at the ceremony, held at Government House in South Australia, included gold medallist Jessica Stenson (marathon), silver medallist Callum Peters (boxing) and Australian Dolphin and debutant, Ella Jones.
South Australian Governor the Honourable Frances Adamson AC presented the medals to team members, joined by distinguished guests The Honourable Katrine Hildyard MP, Minster for Recreation, Sport and Racing, and Vincent Tarsi MP, Shadow Minister.
“The 2022 Commonwealth Games enthralled us all,” Adamson said.
“I speak for all Australians in sharing the excitement that came from Australia topping the medal tally.”
For Stenson, who previously claimed bronze medals at both Glasgow and Gold Coast, winning gold in Birmingham was an effort years in the making, made all the more significant with her both husband and son in Birmingham celebrate with her.
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Making his Commonwealth Games debut, boxing sensation Callum Peters reflected upon his silver medal triumph in the men’s 75kg weight division.
“I’ve never competed in a big sporting event like the Commonwealth Games before, and I am very happy with what I have been able to achieve,” Peters said.
Australian swimmer Ella Jones had two reasons to celebrate on Wednesday, receiving her Australian Sports Medal while also celebrating her 22nd birthday.
Jones, who navigated training whilst living in Lismore during the floods, acknowledged that to be selected for the Commonwealth Games Australia team following one of Australia’s worst natural disasters was an achievement she had been aiming for all year.
“The Commonwealth Games was so much fun and certainly lived up to its name as the friendly games,” Jones said.
“I am humbled to receive the Australian Sports Medal alongside some of South Australia and Australia’s best athletes.”
Also in attendance was Vice President of Commonwealth Games Australia Leanna Grantham, who reiterated Her Excellency’s address recognising that all athletes represented Australia to the best of their ability.
“Your family, friends, sport and state are very proud,” Grantham said.
“A huge congratulations on your performances at the Games in Birmingham.”
Over 450 team members have been nominated by Commonwealth Games Australia to receive the Australian Sports Medal, after the Australian team topped the overall medal table at the Birmingham Games with 178 medals, including 67 gold, 57 silver and 54 bronze.
The award ceremony in South Australia was part of continued celebrations of Australia’s Commonwealth Games Athletes, with presentations to come in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
