Mr RAMSEY (Grey—Opposition Whip) (13:47): Like many, I have been transfixed by the Olympics in the last two weeks and the outstanding efforts of our Australian athletes. Naturally, we are particularly proud of those who come from our communities and, in Grey, we congratulate Leigh Hoffman, the son of proud Whyalla parents Kristen and Rene, who are probably still celebrating his historic win in Paris. Arguably the world’s fastest team sprint starter, Leigh was raised in Whyalla, started cycling at 14 and won his first big event at 15. A high achiever from birth, Leigh walked when he was six months old and began running two weeks later. It’s perhaps not a surprise he was a 2022 world championship gold medallist. Leigh rode second wheel in Paris to bring home the bronze in the men’s teams sprint.
Another champion from Grey is Kyle Chalmers, who is no stranger to the Olympic podium or the Australian consciousness. King Kyle from Point Lincoln can almost single-handedly put Australia in the medals with his freestyle speed and in this, his third Olympics, he showed yet again what a world-class performer he is, winning two silver medals and one bronze medal.
Our women’s basketball team took bronze against Belgium in a thrilling match for their seventh Olympic medal. Kadina’s Steph Talbot played a major role in the hard-fought game in Paris, while Olympic debutante Isobel Borlase, whose parents are sporting legends from Grey, did some sensational work for the Opals’ campaign.
Citius, Altius, Fortius: our Aussie athletes are the living embodiment of the Olympic dream.