Keen For Olympic Medals

Cohuna Consolidated School students are taking their Olympic Games studies one step further with realia at their fingertips.

Students in Grade 1-2 have a selection of Olympic memorabilia belonging to Olympic cyclist Gary Neiwand on display.

Gary raced in the track cycling events at four Olympic Games: Seoul in 1988, Barcelona in 1992, Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000, bringing home two silver and two bronze medals.

On display in the classroom are those four medals, his blazers worn in the opening and closing ceremonies, his Olympic track cycling uniform and tracksuits.

Classroom teacher and relative of Neiwand, Katrina Toma, said the students are excited to have the items in the classroom. “The kids have been very excited to see real uniforms and medals, it makes it all the more real for them and helps them see that one day they could be in the Olympics,” she said. 

“They are really keen to watch the Olympic Games events and are following the achievements of the Australian team.”

The Olympic Games in Paris wrap up on August 12

L-R: Cohuna Consolidated School students Eleanor Toma, Willem Toma and Deacon Wishart wear the Olympic blazers, tracksuit and medals of Gary Neiwand, cousin of their grandmother, Fay Wishart..