The star of Nova Peris OAM continues to rise

Nova Peris’ legacy and standing as one of Australia’s best athletes has been further accentuated after she was announced as one of seven new inductees into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF).

Peris, who famously made history becoming the first Aboriginal Australian to win an Olympic gold medal, was inducted as an Athlete member for her achievements in both hockey and athletics. That gold medal came as part of the successful Hockeyroos team in Atlanta in 1996.

After her hockey career, Peris transitioned to athletics, where she won two Commonwealth Games gold medals. Her athletic prowess made her the first person to qualify for Summer Olympic Games finals in two different sports at consecutive Olympics.

“Nova Peris is an inspiration to so many and we are proud she is part of our hockey community,” said Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles.

“On behalf of everyone involved in hockey in Australia, I congratulate Nova on this accolade and recognition.”

“Her influence stretches further than just the hockey pitch or athletics track. Nova has used her profile, exuberance and passion in the political sphere to make a positive difference and been a champion in so many other facets of life, including hockey’s work in the inclusion and reconciliation space.”

“She is a deserved addition to this illustrious Hall of Fame that also includes other greats of our sport in Australia.”

Peris joins 12 other hockey players in the distinguished list, joining the likes of Rechelle Hawkes, Ric Charlesworth, Sharon Buchanan and Jamie Dwyer.

Peris said being an inductee to a Hall of Fame limited exclusively to the top echelon of Australian athletes who have all achieved the highest honours at the peak level of competition is an incredible honour.
 
“I missed him (SAHOF Chairman John Bertrand AO) and then he rang me again and I had to pull over to the side of the road because I was just really overwhelmed by it all. He said, ‘We’re thrilled to have you as one of our members.’ I was hopeless speaking to him on the phone. I kept crying, babbling like a little baby. It's a real honour and a privilege,” said Peris.

Peris and the other inductees will be honoured at a Sport Australia Hall of Fame event to be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney on October 16.

Click here for a list of the other new inductees.

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame is the nation’s most prestigious sporting organisation. Those who are inducted into this elite group are our nation’s leading champions. They have not only excelled in their chosen field, but have done so with dignity, integrity, courage, modesty, pride and ambition.