Hometown athlete wins region’s heart
THE Allora community pulled out all the stops to welcome hometown hero and two-time Olympian Matthew Denny back to the Southern Downs.
Denny represented Australia in the men’s discus at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, falling centimetres short of the bronze medal despite a record-breaking throw.
Finally able to return to his hometown after spending weeks in quarantine and travelling, Denny was welcomed back to Allora with a parade down the main street and a celebration that brought together the entire community.
The town’s CBD was decked out in green and gold and students from Denny’s former schools lined the streets during the parade, notable guests including Warwick Olympian and bronze medallist Harriet Hudson.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi congratulated Denny on his induction into the Allora Sports Museum, to which the athlete also donated his Olympic throwing jersey and Tokyo Games memorabilia.