Subjects: Andrew Gaze's appointment to the position of flag bearer for the Australian Olympic Team
E&OE……………………………………………………………………………………
PRIME MINISTER:
Well I think it’s a wonderful choice. Andrew is a magnificent representative, he represents everything- there’s the family tradition there. He’s competed in so many Games before. He’s obviously a great personality. He has a humility and passionate excitement about the honour that’s been given to him. And I thought the absolutely exuberant, wonderful, the excited way that he reacted was just so heart warming and just demonstrates that he’s the right choice.
JOURNALIST:
It’s not too often the Prime Minister gets a hug is it?
PRIME MINISTER:
No, well I don’t mind! But more importantly I think nineteen million Australians would have wanted to hug him for his spontaneity.
JOURNALIST:
Have you ever been kissed by a six foot seven bloke before?
PRIME MINISTER:
Oh now don’t ask me personal questions!
JOURNALIST:
Prime Minister, you yourself seem very excited as the big day draws close.
PRIME MINISTER:
I am. I think I am expressing a collective national excitement. I wandered around Sydney on Monday morning, I did some shopping, and everybody is so engaged and friendly. It’s almost as if for the next few weeks we’re going to be living in a slightly different world, and I think we are. And I that’s terrific because Australians do love their sport, they do see this as a great opportunity to show the world what a fantastic country we have.
And these young men and women here tonight - the uniforms, incidentally, are fabulous, they’re the best Olympic uniforms I’ve seen yet and I’m very delighted that I’ve been honoured and given one – it’s terrific.
But I think the spirit of this, of tonight and the excitement which is obviously being reflected around the community now is what everybody feels.
JOURNALIST:
Any predictions of how many gold medals we’ll win?
PRIME MINISTER:
Oh look I don’t get into that. I wish them well, I love them all and I hope it’s pile!
Thank you.
[ends]