AOC bestow awards on Norman, Freeman and Boyle
Published Sat 28 Apr 2018
![](https://cdn.revolutionise.com.au/cups/aa/files/1573.jpg)
The Australian Olympic Committee has bestowed their prestigious award of the Order of Merit, on three greats of track and field at their 2018 Annual General Meeting, held in Sydney today. The accolade is awarded to a person who in the opinion of the AOC Executive has achieved remarkable merit in the sporting world, either through personal achievement or contribution to the development of
The award was made posthumously to the late Peter
The honour was also made to Peter for his decision to stand in solidarity with American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos during their silent civil rights protest on the medal dais, an action which etched him into Australian Olympic folklore.
“This is an overdue award there is no doubt,†AOC President John Coates said. “The respect for Peter and his actions is still enormous to this day. He believed in human rights throughout his life. We lost Peter in 2006 but we should never lose sight of his brave stand that day and further as a five-time national champion, his Australian 200 metres record set in Mexico has never been matched. His athletic achievement should never be underestimatedâ€.
Raelene
In acknowledging her award, Raelene said from Africa where she is currently on holidays.
“I am disappointed I cannot be with you to celebrate this special occasion. It makes me feel very warm inside to think that my Olympic life is still being recognised. “
Cathy
She described the Order as “A very special honour. Even though my sporting career ended 15 years ago, my life continues on as an Australian Olympian and it all still gives me such great pride. I humbly extend my gratitude to the Australian Olympic Committee for the Order of Merit award.â€
A fourth track and field related award went to
In accepting her award she fondly remembered Harry Gordon as a mentor to her and also noted his role in encouraging women into journalism.
In other business at the AGM, yesterday Beijing Olympian Steve
David Tarbotton for Athletics Australia