Historical information
This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek.
XIX Olympic Winter Games were held in Salt Lake City from 8th to 24th 2002. Australia sent a team of 27 athletes to these Games and became the first Southern Hemisphere country to win gold medals at the Winter Olympics. They were won by Steven Bradbury in the 1000 m short track speed skating followed by Alisa Camplin in aerial skiing.
Adrian Costa from Falls Creek was competing at his fourth Olympics and carried the Australian flag in the Opening Ceremony.
George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager.
He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet.
George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s.
In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek.
George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.
Significance
This medal is significant because it represents Australia's involvement in the Winter Olympics Salt Lake City 2002.
Physical description
A rectangular medal presented for participation by volunteers at Salt Lake City Winter Olympics 2002.
The front of the medal depicted three athletes emerging from a mountain, with the Olympic rings below. The reverse featured the Delicate Arch, the Olympic Rings and logo, and a mountain range in the background.
Inscriptions & markings
On Front: XIX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES SALT LAKE 2002
On Reverse: 7 - 16 MARCH 2002/ MIND BODY SPIRIT
