Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (10:34):

Sport unites us. It brings together families, friends and entire communities. Sport connects our nation as a whole and, at the recent Paris Olympics, it brought the entire world together. This is the remarkable power of sport. In Australia, the Olympics are so powerful they've kept us awake late into the night and had us getting up in the early hours of the morning because we love it. Sport is part of our identity. It is deeply woven into the fabric of our nation. The Olympics and Paralympics hold a special place in our hearts because they only come around once every four years. Very few moments unite this country more than when we rally behind our athletes competing in the green and gold. I've watched people right around Australia gather around their TVs and watch on their phones, all to witness our champions showcase what they're capable of on the world stage.

Congratulations to Australia's 2024 Olympic team. You've made us proud. With 18 gold medals, 19 silver medals and 16 bronze medals, it's been our most successful games ever. Supporting our athletes is a significant part of what it means to be an Australian. That support is well deserved because what our athletes achieve is hard earned. From a young age they dedicate their lives to their sport, training year after year and often sacrificing time with family and friends. These sacrifices are immense, but, for all athletes, there is no prouder moment than when they are representing Australia. When you're at the Olympics, wearing the green and gold with the backing of this great country, the moment is bigger than anything and all those sacrifices become worthwhile. I know this feeling very well because I've been lucky enough to compete in five Olympic Games. It should have been six, but unfortunately 2024 just wasn't my year. I gave it my best and missed out by one point. Even though I didn't make the team this year, I know what it means to compete at the highest level, supported by your teammates and the entire nation. It's the proudest moment of all.

We must not underestimate the achievements of the Australian Olympic team. We punch well above our weight in the world of sport—way, way above it. At the Olympics, we may be a relatively small country by population, but you wouldn't know it by looking at our medal tally. A few of the highlights for me included watching my good friend Penny Smith win a bronze medal in the women's trap shooting at Chateauroux. Congratulations, Penny; you're an absolute superstar. There was Kaylee McKeown's performance in the pool. Another highlight was seeing a normal sized athlete like Matt Denny win an Olympic bronze medal in the discus. And who didn't shed a tear when seeing Saya Sakakibara win the gold medal in the women's BMX. The story of her and her brother is what Olympic dreams are made of. Plus, her interview after winning gold was a pearler. Anyone who can drop the f-bomb five times in an interview gets my full respect!

Another highlight is the story of Mijain Lopez Nunez. He's not an Australian athlete, but his story is well worth telling. Representing Cuba, Mijain made Olympic Games history by becoming the first athlete in any sport to win gold in the same event at five consecutive Olympic Games, in the Greco-Roman wrestling men's 130-kilogram category. That is absolutely amazing. And let's not forget the Hunter electorate athletes who gave their all in Paris. Genevieve Janse van Rensburg from Singleton powered through the modern pentathlon to finish 13th, and Wallsend's Jacqueline Nichele finished 10th in the women's 71-kilogram weightlifting, with a total of 209 kilograms.

There's more inspiration to come, as another group of athletes are about to begin their journey: our Australian Paralympic team. I wish them all the best of luck as they compete in the 2024 Paralympics beginning on 28 August. Once again we will be united and inspired. You will do us all proud.

I've spoken to many up-and-coming athletes from the Hunter, and I know this Olympics was an exciting moment for them, with the Paralympics set to inspire them even further. These events invigorate athletes not just across Australia but across the world. Congratulations to all our Olympic athletes and best of luck to our Paralympic athletes. Thank you to the athletes, their coaches, their support staff, their families, their friends and their workplaces. I'd like to give another mention to the Opals. Congratulations on winning the bronze yesterday. It's been 12 years since they did that. Lauren Jackson, you're the GOAT. You're the absolute best. Congratulations on your achievements throughout your career and enjoy your retirement. Cheers.

t.