The list could grow, but so far Wollondilly can celebrate having two locals competing at the Paris Olympic Games later this month.
Equestrian Shane Rose beat the odds to be available to compete in his fourth Games, while Josh Bell has won selection for the clay target shooting team.
On behalf of Wollondilly Shire Council, Mayor Matt Gould has congratulated both and wished them all the best for Paris.
At his property at Werombi in March, 51-year-old Shane Rose fell from his horse with the animal landing on him causing 19 bone fractures, including his pelvis.
Despite the seriousness of his injuries, he went through months of gruelling rehabilitation to bring himself back to fitness.
Rose won a silver medal in a team event at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, bronze in Rio in 2016 and another silver in Tokyo 2020.
“I’m sure Shane’s fighting spirit will be on display for us all to see in Paris. He has worked so hard to get there. I know Wollondilly will be behind him all the way,” said Mayor Gould.
Josh Bell flies off this Sunday to Italy, where he will acclimatise and practice for a week before he heads to Paris to compete in the Games.
The 30-year-old has been working hard to earn his spot in the Olympic team for skeet shooting, which is considered one of the more difficult disciplines.
He will be shooting individually as well as in the mixed team’s event.
Bell is based in Camden Park on the edge of the Wollondilly Shire.
“Clay target shooting is my passion, and has been ever since I could legally hold a shooters licence from the age of 12,’’ he says.
“My ambition was always to represent Australia on the international stage at various levels with the hope that these events will lead me to compete at multiple Olympic Games.’’
Mayor Matt Gould has wished Josh all the best as he competes on the world stage.
“It is fantastic to see Wollondilly locals competing in the Olympic Games, and we will all be cheering Josh on throughout the competition,’’ he said.
“Congratulations to Josh and the whole team – Wollondilly Council and the Wollondilly community wishes you all the best, and we hope you enjoy this incredible experience,” he said.
Shane Rose, back in the saddle for Paris Olympic Games. (Getty Images – Kerry Marshall). Below: shooter Josh Bell.
