BRENDAN LINES
LOXTON North’s Alex Hill has been named among Australia’s 38-strong squad of rowers for the Tokyo Olympic games.
The 2016 Rio silver medallist was presented his team kimono by his grandfather Malcolm Hill at a ceremony held in Adelaide on Sunday.
The 28-year-old was farewelled by his family on Monday at Adelaide Airport, before heading to Canberra in preparation for the games.
Michelle Hill, Alex’s mother, said she was a “bit teary” seeing her son off.
“Mums are allowed to that,” she said.
“We certainly won’t be able to see him again for a while. We’re very happy and very sad at the same time because we can’t be there.”
Mrs Hill said the Tokyo games would be “very different” to previous Olympics, with crowds expected to be limited or absent altogether, due to Covid-19 concerns.
“We’re trying hard to make sure that there is that support coming from home and it was nice to be involved as a family at the announcement,” she said.
“The amount of people that came from all over Australia was just lovely.
“The sentiment was the same for all: if we can’t be there we’ll do all that we can to show we support them.”
Hill, a former junior footballer, cricketer and basketballer told 7 News his medal in Rio came with “unreal support” from the Loxton North community.
Hill was named in Australia’s men’s fours team.
“To be named in my second Olympic team is an honour,” he said.
“The last 12 months has taught us to be resilient as a team and we have worked hard to ensure we’re the best we can be leading into these Olympic Games.
“I’m excited to see not only what we can do as a four, but also to see what the entire Australian Olympic Rowing Team can do in Tokyo.”
The Tokyo Olympic Games are scheduled to begin on July 23.