PRIME MINISTER
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING, MP
OLYMPIC MEDAL TALLY
I am disturbed by recent reports in some sections of the media which suggest that the
Government intends to withhold fup= ding for Olympic sports if our athletes fail to win
sufficient medals.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Indeed, in speeches to our Olympians, and all sporting bodies, I have expressed the
very opposite sentiments.
I have been at pains to stress that the fact the Olympic ideals of friendly competition
and comradeship are very close to Australia's own and must surely help explain why
we are one of the very few nations to have competed in every Games since 1896.
The Olympics do not idealise winning so much as striving. Nor do they make a virtue
of national glory so much as individual achievement and excellence.
In truth, to have earned the right to compete with the best in the world is a rare honour:
to participate in the greatest of all sporting events a singular reward for talent and
immense dedication.
Inevitably and justifiably Australians will share in the pride and the triumph of
those athletes who win medals. There is no greater achievement in sport.
But for those who do not win, we will be happy if they have done their best, and
honoured the spirit of the Games and our Nation.
T'his, I believe, is the view of the vast majority of Australians.
For these reasons I make it clear that win, lose or draw, not a cent will be cut from our
Olympic funding as a result of Australia's position in the so called " medal tally".
CANBERRA 31 JULY 1992
920
Keating, Paul
Period of Service: 20/12/1991 - 11/03/1996
Find more information on Keating, Paul on the:
Release Date:
31/07/1992
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
8601
Document:
00008601.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Keating, Paul John
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING, MP OLYMPIC MEDAL TALLY
8601