Five of Bundaberg’s Olympic and Paralympic medallists have been recognised for their outstanding swimming achievements at the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.
The success of swimmers Chantel Wolfenden, Tracey Oliver, Michele Pearson, Rosemary Lassig and Isaac Cooper have been immortalised through honorary signage installed at the new facility, celebrating their contribution to elite sport.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the recognition, called the Olympic Walk, was a fitting tribute to athletes who had represented their community and country at the highest level.
“These athletes have inspired generations of Bundaberg residents through their dedication and success on the world stage,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Honouring them at our aquatic centre not only acknowledges their incredible achievements but also reminds young swimmers that world-class success can start right here in our region.”
Olympic Walk athletes featured:
Chantel Wolfenden
Honoured for her six medals at the 2004 Athens Paralympics where she won gold, silver and four bronze in freestyle, backstroke and individual medley.
Tracey Oliver
In the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics Tracey Oliver took home bronze for the 50-metre freestyle. She was again awarded in the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics with a silver medal for the same stroke.
Michele Pearson
Michele Pearson was awarded a bronze in the 200-metre individual medley at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Rosemary Lassig
In the 1960 Rome Olympics Rosemary Lassig claimed a silver medal for the 4 x 100 metre medley relay.
Isaac Cooper
The region’s most recent swimming sensation Isaac Cooper took home the bronze for the 4 x 100 metre mixed medley relay in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Paralympian Chantal Wolfenden OAM said she was thrilled to be involved in the project.
“It is a massive honour to be featured alongside so many of our region’s sporting greats,” she said.
“The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is a world-class facility and it’s exactly what our talented local athletes deserve.
“I’m proud to have my journey shared in a place where the next generation of champions will be training.
“I hope it shows them that there are no limits to what you can achieve from right here in Bundy.”
Selection process and project future
Mayor Helen Blackburn said athletes honoured in the Olympic Walk project were chosen for their exceptional achievements on the world stage and their strong ties to the Bundaberg Region.
“To be recognised on the Olympic Walk, athletes must have competed at an Olympic or Paralympic Games in a pool-based sport and achieved a gold, silver or bronze medal,” she said.
“Whether they were born here, trained here or represented a Bundaberg club during their career, these athletes share a meaningful link to our region and its proud sporting history.”
Mayor Blackburn said the Olympic Walk would be reviewed every four years in line with the Olympic cycle to ensure newly eligible athletes were recognised.
“This allows us to continue celebrating Bundaberg’s contribution to elite aquatic sport and inspiring the next generation of local swimmers,” she said.
Community members are encouraged to submit nominations for future Olympic Walk inductees via email to ceo@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
