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 item is significant because it demonstrates George Shirling's ongoing connection to the Olympic Movement.

Physical description

A blue and black torch purchased as a souvenir from the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. It bears the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics Logo and motto in white text on one side.

Inscriptions & markings

SALT LAKE 2002
light the fire within