Skater Keegan Palmer has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2022 Australia Day honours.
He joins swimmer Emma McKeon, who was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), along with slalom canoeist Jess Fox, swimmers Ariarne Titmus and Kaylee McKeown and a host of other Olympic gold medallists in receiving awards.
Skate Australia Executive Director, Ariane de Rooy said, “skaters make such a positive contribution to social fabric of Australia. Competitive success is inspirational and the values learned every day in the skate park and on the rink - respect, sharing, passing on knowledge and helping others when they're down - these are values all Australian aspire to. This award is fantastic recognition for Keegan, and for skaters.“
In an amazing day for sport, wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott was named the Australian of the Year for 2022. He was also appointed an Officer of the Order (AO) for his distinguished service to Paralympic sport and for his work as a role model for people with disability, and to the wider community.
“Winning grand slams and gold medals isn’t my purpose,” he told an audience gathered in Canberra to see his Australian of the Year presentation.
“My purpose is changing perceptions so people like me can get out there and live the lives they deserve to live.”