Olympians for Life honours five members of the Olympic community at every Olympic Games who have excelled as Olympians during their sporting career and in their lives following retirement from elite sport. The Olympians honoured have drawn on their experiences to make the world a better place by promoting the Olympic Values at every stage of their lives.
Rachael Lynch OLY was inducted at a special online ceremony by WOA Patron, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco OLY, IOC and WOA Honorary President Thomas Bach OLY and WOA President, Joël Bouzou OLY.
Lynch has been on scholarship at the Victorian Institute of Sport for 18 years, and whilst much of her recent time has been spent in the National Program in Perth, she is a very proud VIS athlete who continues to engage with our program and actively participates in activities.
Victorian Institute of Sport Chief Executive Officer Anne Marie Harrison says that Lynch "espouses so many qualities that make us proud of her and perfectly lives by the VIS' motto of success in sport and life."
Lynch was inducted for her selfless work as a nurse on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 in Australia and her role as a mental health ambassador.
“Working as part of Australia’s COVID-19 response has been hugely rewarding and something I feel strongly about contributing to as a trained nurse. I have been afforded so many opportunities from the sports community throughout my career so far and it’s hugely important for me to take every opportunity I can to give back - especially during these challenging times for the world.” She said.
Speaking at the event, WOA Patron HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco OLY, said,“This honour is bestowed upon Olympians who have made a significant and positive contribution to society. Some have devoted their lives to promoting peace; others have joined the fight against the pandemic; while some campaign to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people and increase development through sport. They all draw on their Olympic experience to help make the world a better place.”
WOA President, Joël Bouzou OLY, added, “An Olympian’s legacy is felt far beyond the field of play. It makes me extremely proud to know that every day, in every country around the world, Olympians are making a positive contribution to the lives of others, working tirelessly to exemplify the Olympic Ideals and ensuring the spirit of Olympism lives on. This is the essence of what it means to be an Olympian for Life.”
First launched at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, with the second edition taking place at PyeongChang 2018, the Olympians for Life project has so far honoured 15 summer and winter Olympians.
Photos of the Tokyo 2020 Olympians for Life can be viewed online at OLY House and you can watch the live event recording below.
