First Nations Athletes Competing at the Paris Olympics

The upcoming Paris Olympics is set to kick off on the 26th of July, with eleven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander competitors representing the nation across eight different sports. These talented individuals are not only ready to showcase their skills on the world stage but also carry the pride of their respective communities.

Among the athletes is basketball legend Patty Mills, a proud Kokatha, Naghiralgal, and Duaureb-Meriam man, who is set to become the first Indigenous athlete to compete in five Olympic Games. 

Another standout is Taliqua Clancy, a Wulli Wulli and Goreng Goreng woman, who will be competing in her third Olympics in Women's Beach Volleyball. Clancy made history in 2016 as the first Aboriginal person to compete in the sport at the Olympics and has since become a fan favourite.

Making her Olympic debut is 19-year-old Abbey Connor, who secured her spot by finishing second in the 200m butterfly at the Australian trials. Connor's talent was evident from a young age, as she broke a 1978 record for the 200m butterfly when she was just 15 years old.

Other notable athletes include Wakka Wakka man Calab Law, who will be making his Olympic debut in athletics as a key member of the Australian 4x100m relay team, and Dharawal man Maurice Longbottom, who will represent Australia in Rugby 7's after making his Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2020.

In sailing, Whadjuk man Conor Nicholas will be teaming up with Nia Jerwood to compete in the mixed 470 event. The duo secured their spot after an impressive performance at Sail Sydney and the 470 World Championships in Spain.

Hockey players Brooke Peris, a Ngarrawanji woman, and Mariah Williams, a Wiradjuri woman, are set to make their mark on the field. Both have been standout players in their international careers, contributing to numerous medal-winning teams.

Boxing will see two Indigenous athletes make their Olympic debuts. Callum Peters, who won gold at the 2023 Pacific Games, and Marissa Williamson Pohlman, who is set to become the first Aboriginal female boxer to fight at the Olympics.

Rounding out the Indigenous contingent is Ngarrindjeri woman Ally Wilson, who will be making her Olympic debut in 3x3 Basketball. Wilson becomes the fourth Indigenous female basketballer to represent Australia at the Olympics, following in the footsteps of her inspiration, Rohanee Cox.

As these eleven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes prepare to compete in Paris, they serve as an inspiration to their communities and the nation as a whole. Their dedication, talent, and pride in their heritage make them true ambassadors for Indigenous Australians on the world stage.