“That was without question the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life, physically and mentally.” – Steve Hooker, athletics (Gold, Beijing 2008).
“I will always remember looking up into the stands to see my mum and dad cheering me on…my dream came true and it was all worth it!” – Tully Bevilaqua, basketball (Silver, Beijing 2008).
A new display at the National Sports Museum brings together a series of objects of significance to Australian Olympians during their time at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
From the jacket and sash worn by six-time Olympian James Tomkins as he led the Australian team at the Opening Ceremony, to the spikes that catapulted Steve Hooker to his Gold-medal winning, record-breaking performance in the men’s pole vault.
There is also the outfit Jared Tallent wore two times for luck in his medal-winning walking events - these items all represent not only the incredible sporting achievements of their bearers, but precious lifelong memories from the Beijing games.
The exhibition features a range of outfits, shoes, security passes and sporting equipment used by Australian Olympians during their time in Beijing.
It also includes a relay torch and official Beijing posters, the competition bodysuit and uniform vest worn by rower and three-time gold medallist Drew Ginn and material from shooter Stacy Roiall, beach volleyballer Natalie Cook, hockey’s Luke Doerner, basketball’s Lauren Jackson and more.
The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games – Australian Olympians Display complements the National Sports Museum’s permanent Olympics exhibition, Faster, Higher, Stronger, which tells the story of Australia’s involvement in the Olympics over the past 100 years.
2008 Beijing Olympic Games – Australian Olympians Display
National Sports Museum
February – June 2009
(Enter via Gate 3, MCG)