Paris Olympics Archives - Mount Gravatt News

The Mt Gravatt Lady Who’s Gone from World-Class Track Sprinter to Rugby Sevens Olympian

Former Clairvaux Mackillop College student, Kaitlin Shave, will represent Mt Gravatt and Australia in Paris and her story is fascinating.

At Runcorn State School, her primary years left her teachers in no doubt she could run fast. By the time she had moved to Clairvaux Mackillop, she was already considered a state-level spinter, but the next leg up to become considered one of the fastest women in Australia was when she dead-heated for the 100 metres in the Under 17s Australian Athletic Championships in Sydney in 12.07 seconds.

Intensive training followed to “shave” hundreds of a second under the 12-second mark as her coaches, Sharon and Chris Dale, pushed her down to an 11.92 PB. Her parents and grandparents were omnipresent at her meets.

She went on to have a brief stint playing University 7s for Bond Uni in 2018 and then played in the NRL touch premiership for the Brisbane Broncos, leading to a 2019 grand final win against the Paramatta Eels.

However, ironically, she only caught the eye of Australian coach, Tim Walsh, when playing for the Balkans Honet Badgers in a tournament in South Africa.

Initially, she travelled with the Australian team to a tournament in Vancouver as a 13th non-playing member of the squad.

Kaitlin’s confidence grew as she gained more big game experience and her game-winning try in Cape Town in 2023 took that to a new level.

Her Olympic campaign will kick off at midnight on Monday Brisbane time, 29 July, with a game against South Africa in Pool B.

Shave and the Aussie squad will then take on Great Britain at 3:30 a.m. Brisbane time later that morning and Ireland at 10:30 p.m. Brisbane time on the same day.

The results of the three pools will then determine the quarter finals – the top two from each group and two of the three third places advancing to the last eight. Fingers crossed that Kaitlin will be on the field for the final, scheduled for 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday 31 July Brisbane time.

Kaitlin Shave and the Australian Women's Sevens Rugby Team Schedule

Mount Gravatt Kookaburras Star Hoping To Bring Home Gold From Paris

Former Clairvaux MacKillop College student (Class of 2008), Jacob Whetton, will embark on what may be his final Olympics appearance in Paris this week.

Bringing home Silver in Tokyo 2021 but losing the final to Belgium in a shootout, the 33 year old forward will be part of a Kookaburras team with a genuine chance of going one better in Paris.

The bookies have Belgium as very slight favourites to repeat their Tokyo Gold medal over Australia and the Netherlands with Germany the best of the rest.

Whetton quipped that he was introduced to the sport of Hockey because his mum and dad both played and so it was easier bringing him and his sister to games than getting a babysitter.

He currently plays for Brisbane Blaze in the Hockey One League after a three-year stint in the Indian Hockey League with the Punjab Warriors. Though in 2020, he signed a contract to play for Oranje-Rood in the Dutch Hockey League but Covid caused that deal to collapse.

The 2024 Olympics Tournament will be played at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium. The Kookaburras opening match against Argentina will be at 9:15 p.m. Brisbane time on Saturday night, 27 July.

Their next match will be against Ireland at 6:00 p.m. Brisbane time on Monday, 29 July followed by a rematch of the Tokyo final when they take on Belgium at 3:45 a.m. Brisbane time on Wednesday 31 July. They then take on New Zealand at 6:30 p.m. Brisbane time on Thursday 1 August, with the final pool match against India at 9:15 p.m. on Friday 2 August.

The Top 4 from Pool and Pool B will then embark on the Quarter finals from Sunday 4 August.

Should the Kookaburras repeat their Tokyo 2021 achievement of making the final, it will be played at 3:00 a.m. Brisbane time on Friday 9 August.

Stan Sports will have a dedicated Hockey Channel showing the games live as part of their Olympics coverage.

Jacob and the Kookaburras Group Schedule

Veteran Jacob Whetton Aims for Gold in Third Olympic Appearance

Photo Credit: Australian Olympic Committee

Australian men’s hockey player, Jacob “Whetty” Whetton, who studied at Clairvaux Mackillop College in Mt Gravatt, is set to make his third Olympic appearance at the Paris 2024 Games. At 33, Whetton brings a wealth of experience to the Kookaburras, having amassed over 200 caps for the national team since his debut in 2011.

Whetton’s Olympic journey began in Rio 2016, where he made his debut on the world’s biggest sporting stage. However, it was in Tokyo 2020 where he tasted his first Olympic success, securing a silver medal after a nail-biting penalty shootout loss to Belgium in the gold medal match.

Photo Credit: Australian Olympic Committee

Known for his trademark zinc cream – a nod to late Australian cricket star Andrew Symonds – Whetton has been a consistent force in the Kookaburras’ recent successes. He played a crucial role in Australia’s gold medal victories at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and again in Birmingham 2022, where he scored twice in a dominant 7-0 win over India in the final.

Whetton’s path to Paris included strong performances in the 2023 Hockey World Cup and the Oceania Cup, where he helped secure Australia’s Olympic qualification. His recent domestic success with the Brisbane Blaze in the Hockey One league further cements his status as a key player for the national team.

As the Kookaburras aim to improve on their silver medal performance from Tokyo, Whetton’s experience and scoring ability will be crucial. The team, under the guidance of coach Colin Batch, will be looking to claim Australia’s first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since 2004.

Whetton’s journey from the Eastern Suburbs Tigers junior club to potentially being a three-time Olympian is a testament to his dedication and skill. As the Paris Games approach, all eyes will be on this veteran player to see if he can help lead the Kookaburras to Olympic glory.

Published 18-July-2024

Griffith University Swimming Champ Kaylee McKeown Eyes Gold at Paris 2024

Expectations run high, as Griffith University swimming champion Kaylee McKeown seems poised to dominate the Paris 2024 Olympics, leveraging her world record-breaking prowess and extensive international experience.

Kaylee, who has been making waves in the swimming world, currently trains with the Griffith University swim group under the guidance of coach Michael Bohl.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kaylee McKeown OAM (@kaylee_mckeown)

Kaylee’s Journey in Swimming

At just 15 years old, Kaylee joined her older sister Taylor on the Dolphins swim team, becoming one of its youngest members. Inspired by her sister, who she considers a hero, Kaylee made her international debut in 2017 at the World Championships, finishing fourth in the 200m backstroke. Her strong performances continued at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she placed fourth in both the 100m and 200m backstroke events.

In 2018, she shone at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, securing gold in the 50m backstroke, silver in the 100m backstroke and 4x100m medley, and bronze in the 200m backstroke. Her success continued into 2019 when she won silver in both the women’s 200m backstroke and the women’s 4x100m medley relay at the World Championships.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kaylee McKeown OAM (@kaylee_mckeown)

The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 appeared to benefit Kaylee. In 2021, she broke national backstroke records in the 50m, 100m, and 200m events at the Sydney Open. She then set a world record in the 100m backstroke at the Australian trials for the Tokyo Games. Opting to focus on backstroke events at the Olympics, she won gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke, as well as in the women’s medley relay, and also claimed bronze in the mixed medley relay.

In 2022, she continued to excel, winning the 200m backstroke world title in Budapest and dominating at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she won four gold medals and six medals in total. She ended the year with a victory in the 200m backstroke at the World Short Course Championships in Melbourne. Her momentum carried into 2023, where she set a new world record in the 200m backstroke at the NSW Championships.

Kaylee’s Olympic Prospects

Online sportsbooks have recognised Kaylee McKeown’s potential for the upcoming Olympics, placing her as a favourite for the 200m backstroke. Despite the competitive field, including American Regan Smith, McKeown’s consistent performances and current world record position her as a strong contender.

Professional gamblers and swimming analysts suggest that while McKeown is the favourite, the race will be highly competitive. McKeown’s odds reflect her dominance in the sport, but the competition from athletes like Smith ensures that the event will be exciting to watch.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kaylee McKeown OAM (@kaylee_mckeown)

Griffith University’s Olympic Aspirations

Griffith University will be well-represented at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games with a team of 45 students, alumni, and team members. This includes debutants like sprinter Torrie Lewis and seasoned athletes such as Cameron McEvoy and Jessica Fox.

Duncan Free, Director of Sports Engagement at Griffith University and a former Olympian, expressed immense pride in the athletes. He highlighted the university’s tradition of nurturing champions and is optimistic about surpassing their best-ever medal haul from Tokyo.

The Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, are set to showcase the world’s top athletes across a range of disciplines, with high expectations for thrilling performances and record-breaking achievements. The event, anticipated to be one of the most watched in history, will feature a significant presence from Griffith University, including top contenders like Kaylee McKeown.

Published 18-July-2024

Kelsey-Lee Barber: QAS Javelin Star Sets Sights on Paris Olympics

Olympic bronze medallist and two-time world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber, who trains at the Queensland Academy of Sports (QAS) in Nathan, is intensifying her preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite facing a recent injury challenge.

The 32-year-old javelin thrower has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, aiming to add to her impressive collection of medals. Barber, known for her clutch performances in major competitions, has consistently improved her results since her Olympic debut in Rio 2016.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelsey-Lee Barber (@kelseyleebarber)

Career Highlights

Barber’s journey in athletics began when she moved to Australia during the Sydney Olympics. She quickly rose through the ranks, winning her first international bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Her career reached new heights in 2019 when she threw an impressive 67.70m in Luzern, placing her second in the world for the year. Later that year, she claimed the world title in Doha with a throw of 66.56m.

In 2022, Barber defended her world crown, becoming the first athlete ever to do so in javelin. She followed this up with a gold medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, completing her collection of medals from the event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by World Athletics (@worldathletics)

Recent Challenges

Despite her success, Barber has faced recent setbacks. At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, she placed seventh in the final with a throw of 61.19m. Shortly after, she announced the end of her season due to a small calf tear.

The start of 2024 has also presented challenges, with Barber battling an elbow issue. She competed in two major domestic competitions, placing seventh in Melbourne and third at the Nationals.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelsey-Lee Barber (@kelseyleebarber)

Team Support

Barber attributes much of her success to her Nathan QAS support team. Her husband, Mike Barber, also serves as her coach, creating a unique dynamic in their professional and personal lives.

Kelsey-Lee Barber and Mike Barber — *Photo Credit: Kelsey-Lee Barber/IG*

Patrick Castelli, Barber’s strength and conditioning coach, emphasises the importance of their tight-knit team. He notes that managing Barber’s body and its response to training is one of their biggest challenges.

Barber remains focused on her goal of competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her determination and history of performing under pressure make her a strong contender for adding to her Olympic medal tally.

As Barber continues her preparations, she aims for medals and values the relationships she’s built throughout her career. For her, these connections are an integral part of her sporting journey and will remain with her long after her competitive days are over.

Published 12-July-2024

Nathan Star Zac Stubblety-Cook Aims for Second Olympic Triumph at Paris 2024

At 25, Zac Stubblety-Cook from Nathan is poised to make another splash on the global stage as he prepares for his second Olympic appearance at the Paris 2024 Games.

Read: Meet Jeff Dunne, The Teen Sensation Competing for Breaking at the Paris Olympics

The champion swimmer, who trains under the guidance of coach Vince Raleigh, has already etched his name in swimming history as an Olympic, World, and Commonwealth champion.

Stubblety-Cook’s journey began humbly at the Water Ratz learn-to-swim program in Wellers Hill. Little did anyone know that those early strokes would lead to Olympic gold. His rise through the ranks was meteoric, making his Dolphins debut at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Photo credit: Zac Stubblety-Cook OAM/Instagram

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics marked Stubblety-Cook’s arrival as a swimming superstar. In a performance that echoed Ian O’Brien’s 1964 triumph, he clinched gold in the 200m breaststroke with an Olympic record time of 2:06.38. This victory was particularly sweet as it was Australia’s sole swimming gold in the men’s events at those Games. He didn’t stop there, adding a bronze medal in the debut of the mixed 4x100m medley relay.

Stubblety-Cook was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Australia Day Honours for his service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020, further cementing his status as one of Australia’s swimming elite.

Now, with Paris 2024 on the horizon, Stubblety-Cook is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation. He secured his spot on the Australian team by winning the 200m breaststroke at the Olympic trials in Brisbane. This followed his double victory in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events at the 2024 Australian championships on the Gold Coast, demonstrating his excellent form leading into the Olympics.

Training out of the Chandler Aquatic Centre, Stubblety-Cook balances his rigorous swimming schedule with academic pursuits. He’s currently working towards a double degree in psychological science and business at Griffith University, showcasing his commitment to personal growth both in and out of the pool.

Read: Mt Gravatt QSAC Eyes Metro Lifeline For 2032 Games Legacy

As the swimming world turns its eyes to Paris, Stubblety-Cook carries the hopes of a nation. With his track record of success and dedication to his craft, he’s not just aiming to participate – he’s gunning for gold. The next chapter in this remarkable swimmer’s story is about to unfold, and the world will be watching.

Published 8-July-2024

Meet Jeff Dunne, The Teen Sensation Competing for Breaking at the Paris Olympics

Jeff Dunne, a 16-year-old former resident of Mount Gravatt East, is set to represent Australia in breaking at the Paris Olympics.

Read: Olympians and Paralympians Challenge Venue Decision on QSAC in Mt Gravatt

This opportunity comes after Dunne’s stunning victory at the Oceania Breaking Championship held at the Sydney Town Hall last November, where he triumphed over 37 contenders from Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia.

Born in Davao City, Philippines, Dunne was adopted by an Australian family as a baby. His journey in dance began early in life and took a significant turn when his family moved from Mount Gravatt East to Casuarina, just south of the Queensland border, when he was seven.

Jeff Dunne — Photo credit: olympics.com.au

Dunne’s passion for breaking ignited when he was just five years old, sneaking into breaking classes while his older sister attended hip hop lessons at a Brisbane dance studio. Initially content to watch from the corner, Dunne soon began showcasing his moves, demonstrating a natural talent for the art form.

Jeff Dune back in 2018 (Photo credit: Jeff Dune/Instagram)

Dunne began private lessons on the Gold Coast with renowned local b-boys Gaz Griffiths and Liam Masters, eventually joining their dance crew, Team Cream. Together, they participated in numerous dynamic and energetic battles.

In 2019, Dunne, competing as “J Attack” claimed his first Australian Youth Championship and has since accumulated titles worldwide, with victories in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, Holland, and the US.

By 2022, he was ranked ninth globally and finished within the top 16 at the world under-18 championships. His achievements in breaking were further recognised in 2023 when he became the first breaker to receive a Sport Australia Hall of Fame scholarship.

Breaking at the Paris Olympics

Breaking, a dance style rooted in 1970s hip hop culture in the United States, is distinguished by its acrobatic movements, stylized footwork, and the integral roles of the DJ and master of ceremonies during battles. Known also as breakdancing, it will make its Olympic debut at Paris 2024.

The Olympics will feature two breaking events: one for men (B-boys) and one for women (B-girls). In these events, athletes will compete in dance battles, judged on creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality. Success in breaking demands a blend of dance moves from three basic categories: top rock, down rock, and freeze.

At Paris 2024, 16 B-boys and 16 B-girls will compete in solo battles. Athletes will combine power moves and improvisation to the beat of the DJ’s tracks, striving to win the judges’ votes.

Read: Upgrades Foreseen at the QSAC in Nathan for the 2032 Olympics

As Jeff Dunne steps onto the Olympic stage, he brings with him not only his exceptional talent but also the dreams and support of a community that has watched him grow from a young boy sneaking into dance classes to a world-class athlete representing his country on the biggest stage in sports.

Published 19-June-2024