Golden summer ends on sour note

The closing ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics takes place today, marking the end of an incredible summer of sport.

But the end of the event was tarnished by the news that the Australian Olympics committee gave $20,000 bonus cheques to athletes who brought home gold – while those successful at the Paralympics were given nothing.

In contrast, the American team organisers ensured parity between both Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists, with all receiving the same $52,000 reward, while frugal Team GB gave athletes… nothing. Well, at least that’s fair.

The Australian athletes secured 17 gold medals at the Olympics and 13 at the Paralympics. Thankfully the federal government has now stepped in to ensure Paralympians receive the same bonus.

By not offering the same reward, it’s almost as if officials were saying a Paralympic medal was worth less – and what kind of example would that set for young people? Just completely wrong on so many levels.