Mosman Insider: Local athletes dream big as countdown begins to Paris 2024.

By STAFF REPORTERS

In just under a year, the Games of the 33rd Olympiad in Paris will be underway, with the Opening Ceremony taking place on 26 July.

Qantas hosted a “1 Year To Go” event at their Mascot HQ this week to mark the occasion. Not an all-in soiree – rather a subdued mid-morning event hosted by broadcast right holder – the Nine Network and attended by Olympic hopefuls, two Premiers, AOC big-wigs, sponsors, and Australia’s Chef de Mission for 2024, Anna Meares – brimming with nervous energy.

With an expected team size of between 460-480 athletes competing in 33 different sports, Australia’s Olympic hopefuls are currently crisscrossing the globe trying to qualify for a ticket to Paris.

Olympians Jess Fox (Canoe Slalom), Cassiel Rosseau (Diving), Lucy Stephan (Rowing), and Maurice Longbottom (Rugby 7s) were on-hand to share a little of what they have been going through in their preparation for Paris 2024.

Mosman is home to many Olympians, past and present. In particular, the Mosman Rowing Club at The Spit is a well-known breeding ground for Olympic dreams.

Several Queenwood Girls are in Paris right now, ready to take part in the U19 World Rowing Championships next week. Their eyes perhaps look to Los Angeles 2028.

AOC President Ian Chesterman said this week’s one-year-out milestone is significant for athletes, their families and friends, and the volunteers and sports that have brought our Paris hopefuls to this point.

“There’s an enormous amount of excitement. Equally, the focus is rightly on performance and qualifying for a place on the Team.

“Unlike Tokyo, this time around, friends and families can cheer on the Team in Paris, and that means a great deal to the athletes.

“We have created a French catchcry for our Team – “Allez Aus”, meaning “Go Australia!”. And naturally, that translates perfectly to a hashtag: #AllezAUS

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