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Team boss hails Aussies

Team boss hails Aussies

03/01/2010 05:06:25 AM

Australian Winter Olympic Games Chef De Mission Ian Chesterman believes the team has 'punched above its weight' in Vancouver after a record three medals and a string of top ten finishes.

Chesterman said Australia was remarkably the fifth top nation in women's results thanks to the golden efforts of Torah Bright and Lydia Lassila.

The medal haul of two gold and one silver medal is the most successful result for Australia at an Olympic Winter Games, while nine athletes produced top ten finishes.

It is also the fifth consecutive Winter Games where Australia has won a medal going back to the bronze medal won in the short track skating relay in Lillehammer in 1994.

"Congratulations to all concerned on a terrific performance," Chesterman said.

"One of the great moments for me was talking to representatives from other nations and grasping the respect they now have for the Australian team at the Winter Olympic Games."

"Yet again, we have punched above our weight and finished higher on the medal table than some of the nations who expected to dominate at these Games."

"Australia does not just make up the numbers at the Winter Olympics – we fight for everything and that is a great reflection on the athletes, their coaches and medical staff, as well as the support staff who ensure things run smoothly.

"I was privileged to be at Cypress Mountain when Dale Begg-Smith, Torah Bright and Lydia Lassila won their respective medals and they were all great moments."

"(But) it would be wrong however, to simply judge the Australian performance on the basis of those medals."

"To our 40-strong team, I say a collective thank you for your efforts – we are proud of what you did, and even prouder for the way you conducted yourself during competition, at all times upholding the fine traditions that we expect and admire from Australian sportsmen and women."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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