It was with great sadness this morning that I learned of the passing of Kerryn McCann after a long battle with breast cancer.
Kerryn McCann was a phenomenon, a mother who took on and conquered the toughest of all athletic events.
From her local playground, Kerryn built a sporting CV that was the envy of Australian athletes everywhere.
Kerryn was the pride of the Illawarra, one of Australia's true sporting nurseries.
Kerryn represented Australia at three Olympics, won two Commonwealth Games Gold Medals and in between time took on all comers in the great marathons of the world.
Her remarkable victory at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games has rightly taken its place as a great moment in Australia's rich sporting history.
Kerryn's legend and legacy stretched beyond the track and pavement.
For mothers across Australia, Kerryn McCann was their athlete.
They cheered her every stride, celebrated her victories and struggled with her through her brave battle.
Our thoughts today are with Kerryn's husband Greg and their children Benton, Josie, and Cooper.
Today our nation mourns the loss of a wonderful wife and mother, a champion athlete and a truly great Australian