Central Coast locals Nicola Olyslagers, Matthew Dawson, Bradley Woodward and Charlie Hunter are packing their bags for Birmingham having been selected to represent Australia in athletics and hockey at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch extended his congratulations to the four athletes on behalf of the entire local community.
“Congratulations to Nicola, Matthew, Bradley and Charlie on their impressive selection as well as to all NSWIS athletes travelling to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games,” Mr Crouch said.
“Australia has a rich and decorative history at the Commonwealth Games, and I am confident our Central Coast athletes are determined to add their names to the record books.”
Olympic silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers will be looking to add to her medal collection after winning the bronze medal on debut at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018. Last year, the Gosford resident became the first Australian woman ever to clear 2.00m.
Also on the track is Charlie Hunter, who grew up swimming and surfing on the Central Coast before trying athletics.
In his first three races in 2021 he broke the Australian indoor records at 800m and the mile twice, clocking stunning times of 1:45.59 and 3:53.49. Hunter will contest the 800m in Birmingham.
Part of the gold medal winning team in 2018, Matthew Dawson is one of the players tasked with continuing the Kookaburras’ dominance as champions in men’s hockey. The Kookaburras, who are ranked number one in the world, have won every Commonwealth Games men’s hockey gold medal since hockey was introduced to the competition in 1998.
Bradley Woodward claimed three medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games – gold in the Men’s 4×100 Medley Relay and silver in the men’s 100m and 200m backstroke – and will be looking to add to his medal haul in Birmingham.
“As our NSWIS athletes always do, I am sure they will do us proud and represent NSW brilliantly on the world’s stage,” Mr Crouch said.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games begin on Thursday 28 July in Birmingham.