Paris 2024: Our supported athletes shine bright at The Games
It’s been a big month for our Aussie Athlete Fund (AAF)-supported athletes. As the first half of Paris 2024 wraps up, we’re excited to celebrate Australia’s most successful Games to date and look back at the incredible achievements of our sports stars.
From debut experiences to seasoned champions, our supported athletes have worn the green and gold with immense pride, demonstrating their extraordinary talent, dedication and resilience throughout The Games.
In Paris, veterans Keesja Gofers and Natalya Diehm solidified their impressive legacies, while we also witnessed the rise of future medal winners – Saskia Broedelet made her debut, securing 11th place with her rhythmic gymnastics team, and Jeff Dunne made history competing in the first ever edition of Breaking. Meanwhile, Calab Law and Reece Holder, two of Australia’s brightest talents in athletics are just getting started. With talent like this in our midst, it’s safe to say the next generation of elite Aussie athletes will continue to do the country proud.
Adding to the excitement, AAF founder, Nat Cook OAM OLY, was part of the Paris collective, cheering on our athletes, sharing in the experience firsthand, and keeping a watchful eye on the whole event as a Board Member for Brisbane 2032.
Congratulations to the Australian Olympic Committee and its support team for helping to make all of Australia proud.
Here’s a closer look at how our AAF-supported athletes made their mark on the world stage and the incredible achievements they accomplished.
Jackson Collins OLY
Event: Kayak Four – 500m
Medal: Silver
In his Olympic debut, Jackson paddled to a silver medal showing his strength and determination on the world stage. Following in the footsteps of his father, Dan Collins, (and one of our AAF Greats) a four-time Olympian and two-time medalist in kayaking, Jackson ‘s performance in Paris continued the family legacy.
Keesja Gofers OLY
Event: Water Polo
Medal: Silver
A three-time champion and veteran of the pool, Keesja added a silver medal to her collection as part of the Aussie Stingers team. With over 200 games played for Australia and numerous international medals, Keesja’s contribution to Australian water polo is nothing short of legendary. Having 14-month-old daughter Teleri cheering her on from the poolside made it an extra special occasion for the new mum.
Natalya Diehm OLY
Event: Freestyle BMX
Medal: Bronze
Natalya made history by securing Australia’s first female BMX Freestyle medal with a well-deserved bronze. After finishing 5th in Tokyo, where BMX Freestyle made its debut, Natalya battled several injuries to return to Paris stronger than ever, determined to make her mark and doing exactly that.
Saskia Broedelet
Event: Rhythmic Gymnastics
Result: 11th place (team)
Aislin Jones
Event: Women’s Skeet, Mixed Skeet Team
Results: 24th in Women’s, 11th in Mixed
Josh Bell
Event: Men’s Skeet, Mixed Skeet Team
Results: 25th in Men’s, 11th in Mixed
Claire Colwill
Event: Hockey
Result: Quarterfinals
Reece Holder
Event: Athletics - 400m
Results: 5th in his heat, ran a personal best and ranked 14th in the world for 400m.
Calab Law
Event: Athletics - 200m, 4x100m relay
Results: 7th in 200m (Heat 1), 6th in relay (Heat 1)
Josh Katz
Event: Judo
Stacey Hymer
Event: 57kg Taekwondo
Jeff Dunne
Event: Breaking
Result: Jeff made history by competing in breaking’s first ever appearance at The Games.
Ebony Lane
Event: Athletics
While Paris 2024 may be over for these sports stars, the journey of our AAF-supported athletes continues. Whether it’s preparing for the next World Championships, gearing up for future Games or working towards new personal bests, our athletes are far from finished. Learn more and meet our 2024 AAF-supported athletes here.
Aussie Athlete Fund is all about breaking down the barriers faced by our emerging elite athletes by providing access to funding, fundraising education and mentoring support – easing the burden an athlete faces once selected to represent Australia.
Join us in our mission to turn Green into Gold and create a sustainable athlete economy. Follow along on our socials or make a tax-deductible donation here.
Disclaimer: Aussie Athlete Fund is not affiliated in any way with the Australian Olympic Committee, the Australian Olympic team or the Olympic Movement.