AOC Pays Tribute to Olympic Champion Jared Tallent on Retirement

The Australian Olympic Committee has paid tribute to Australian racewalking gold medallist and three times Olympian Jared Tallent following the announcement of his retirement today.

Tallent made his Olympic debut in Beijing 2008 where he won medals in both the 20km (bronze) and 50km (silver) events. He then triumphed in London 2012 winning gold in the 50km Race Walk and won silver in the same event at Rio in 2016, with his four medals making him Australia’s most decorated male Olympian in Athletics.

AOC President John Coates AC says Jared is a wonderful competitor and a person of great conviction.

"Congratulations to Jared on a remarkable career," Mr Coates said. "As Australia’s most decorated male track and field Olympian, Jared holds a special place in Australia’s rich Olympic history.

"I was honoured to be able to present Jared’s gold medal from London 2012 in Melbourne four years later. Presenting an Olympic medal is an honour, but even more so to be part of rectifying the injustice perpetrated on Jared by a doping cheat.

"Throughout his career Jared has displayed incredible dignity, humility and passion for fairness and I know Jared will continue to find success in whatever path he chooses to walk next."

Jared Tallent’s career highlights include:

· Winning four Olympic medals: silver (50km) and bronze (20km) at Beijing 2008; gold (50km) at London 2012 and silver (50km) at Rio 2016

· Medalled in same event (50km) at three consecutive Olympics – only the second Australian to achieve that in Athletics after Shirley Strickland.

· Three-time World Championships silver medallist in 50km (2011, 2013, 2015)

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