The Ipswich community gathered at Tulmur Place to honor local athletes Mollie O’Callaghan, Ella Ramsay, Poppy Wilson, and Taymon Kenton-Smith, following their return from the Paris 2024 Games.
The celebration recognised their achievements and highlighted their efforts to inspire the next generation of athletes in the region.
“Our local athletes are fabulous role models, giving back to the community that supported them by sharing their stories and meeting the residents who cheered them on in Paris,” Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said.
Mollie O’Callaghan, a former St Peters Lutheran College Springfield student, earned five medals in Paris, including gold and an Olympic record in the Women’s 200m Freestyle.
“With roots here in Ipswich, Mollie, Ella, Poppy, and Taymon have shown that the sky is the limit through hard work, dedication, and community support,” Mayor Harding said.
Ella Ramsay, who began swimming at Railway Swimming Club, earned silver in the Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay despite facing challenges, including COVID-related setbacks.
Paralympian Poppy Wilson’s journey was particularly inspiring, overcoming early medical predictions that she would never walk to compete in three swimming events, finishing 5th in the 100m Butterfly.
Springfield Lakes resident Taymon Kenton-Smith represented Australia in archery, narrowly missing a medal with a 4th-place finish in the Men’s Individual Recurve Open.
The event, hosted by Olympic gold medallist Brooke Hanson, featured a Q&A session with the athletes, offering insight into their motivations and the challenges they faced in Paris.
“Our athletes’ achievements have not only inspired us but strengthened community pride,” Mayor Harding said.
“As we look ahead to Brisbane 2032, they remind us that greater inclusion in sport leads to better health and economic outcomes.”
Attendees enjoyed activities such as handball, table tennis, giant chess, and face painting.
The event concluded with Mayor Harding presenting each athlete with an engraved City of Ipswich medallion, celebrating their success and impact on the community.
“We are immensely proud of these athletes for showing what’s possible with dedication and support,” Mayor Harding said.
