Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm delighted to stand here today to pay tribute to Northern Tasmania's golden girl Ariarne Titmus. Although she's on loan to the Queenslanders, the electorate of Bass, which I represent, is proud to claim Ariarne as our own. Just eight days before the Sydney Olympics kicked off in 2000, Ariarne was born in Launceston, Tasmania, to Steve, a well-known local newsreader, and his wife, Robyn. Starting swimming at an early age, Ariarne began competitively racing aged eight, joined the Launceston Aquatic Club at age 10 and smashed every competitive meet she entered. When she was in her early teens, Steve and Robyn made the tough decision to move the entire family, including younger sister Mia, to Brisbane, to ensure that her talent was nurtured by some of the best coaches in the industry.

It's safe to say that that move paid off. At just 20 years of age, the 'Terminator' from Tassie has brought home two gold medals, a silver and a bronze from the Tokyo Olympics. Like so many across the nation, I was glued to the screen last week watching Arnie's incredible grit and years of training pay off as she beat rival Katie Ledecky to bring home gold in the 400-metre and 200-metre events, making her the first ever Tasmanian to win an individual gold at the Olympics. Arnie, we're incredibly proud of you and what you have achieved. You've inspired a whole new generation of young swimmers across the country who now look to you as their hero. What an outstanding achievement.