SWIMMING
STAFF WRITERS
LEGEND status rising.
Traralgon Paralympian Emily Beecroft was bestowed with an OAM in this year’s Australia Day honours.
The gold medallist was one of 15 Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athletes to receive such an award.
Joining Beecroft was: Jesse Aungles (para-swimming), Grace Brown (cycling), Matt Ebden (tennis), Tim Hodge (para-swimming), Shayna Jack (swimming), Nina Kennedy (athletics), Connor Leahy (cycling), Cam McEvoy (swimming), Kelland O’Brien (cycling) and Sam Welsford (cycling), Lani Pallister (swimming), Lauren Parker (para-triathlon), Keira Stevens (para-swimming) and para-athlete Julie Charlton.
Famed motivator Laurie Lawrence, who attended the 1982 and 1986 Commonwealth Games as a swimming coach before going on to rally the Australian Olympic Team for almost two decades, was elevated to an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).
Historian and researcher Greg Blood, who serves on the Heritage and Awards Committee, was also recognised alongside Games-time volunteers across press operations and medical services Barbara Smith and John Head.
Commonwealth Games Australia Chief Executive, Craig Phillips congratulated the latest batch of honourees.
“It goes without saying that all recipients are deserving, but I’d like to specifically acknowledge our Paris 2024 champions across the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
Beecroft, 25, has competed in the last three Paralympics (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024), winning four medals, including gold at the last games.
Her name will now appear as Emily Jane Beecroft OAM on official correspondence.
