Nine more local Olympians and Paralympians have been honoured by Northern Beaches Council with new brass plaques along Manly’s foreshore.
Established in 2000 to acknowledge residents of the former Manly area, the Manly Pathway of Olympians and Paralympians now celebrates residents of the entire Northern Beaches selected to represent Australia in summer or winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Stroll Manly’s East and West Esplanade to discover the level of athletic prowess that has sprung from the local area.
The nine new inductees honoured were:
- Grant Brits – Swimming, Beijing 2008
- Brian Dalton – Judo, Tokyo 1964
- Chloe Dalton – Rugby 7s, Rio De Janeiro 2016
- Rachel Lack – Softball, Tokyo 2020
- Jim Colley – Sailing, Paris 2024
- Shaun Connor – Sailing, Paris 2024
- Julia Bell – Rowing, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004
- Robin Bell – Canoe Slalom, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008
- Emma Lincoln-Smith – Skeleton, Vancouver 2010
Mayor Sue Heins said the event was a special opportunity to honour local athletes who have represented Australia on the world stage.
“Congratulations to today’s recipients. The ceremony celebrated their dedication, sportsmanship and contributions to our community,” Mayor Heins said.
“Our Olympians and Paralympians inspire us all with their perseverance, sporting prowess and passion.
“The Pathway not only acknowledges their sporting excellence, but also their role in encouraging the next generation of sportspeople on the Northern Beaches.
“We are immensely proud of their achievements and the example they set for our community.”
They join an esteemed group of almost 100 Northern Beaches inductees, whose plaques already line the iconic Manly foreshore from Andrew (Boy) Charlton and Zali Steggall to Ben Tudhope and Jo Bridgen-Jones.
Since the first Manly Olympian Stan Rowley in 1900, the Northern Beaches has had a local representative at most Summer Olympics.
The new plaques are supported by the NSW Government in partnership with Council.
Council will consider applications for a commemorative plaque on the Pathway from eligible Olympians and Paralympians hailing from the Northern Beaches. Council will also consider applications from eligible athletes for inclusion on its online Sporting Honour Roll.
For details on eligibility criteria and to submit a nomination, visit Council’s website.
