More than 90 athletes from the Australian sports delegation enjoyed a wonderful cruise on the Seine River, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest billionaire. Not only that, they also received meaningful personal gifts, creating an unforgettable memory in their competition journey.
On August 6, the Australian Olympic and Paralympic swimmers and rowers were welcomed by billionaire Gina Rinehart on the luxury yacht Ducasse Sur Seine.
According to Forbes, the 70-year-old billionaire currently has a total asset value of about 30.2 billion USD.
Billionaire Gina Rinehart. Photo: Bloomberg
Among the athletes on the yacht was Elijah Winnington – who won a silver medal in the 400m freestyle at the Olympics. He is also one of the athletes receiving support from the billionaire’s Hancock Prospecting fund.
“Ms Rinehart has been so generous in sponsoring us. Without her financial support, we would have nothing but prize money. She’s almost like our godmother. I don’t know many sponsors who come to the swimming pool every night, wave the Australian flag and support each individual athlete like she does,” Winnington said.
The Ducasse Sur Seine yacht took the athletes on a tour of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre.
“I’m so proud, and Australians are so proud of our Olympic athletes. I can understand a little bit of what you’ve been through to get to where you are. Enjoy this wonderful evening, it’s been great to be with you,” the billionaire told the 120 guests and athletes present at the event.
Billionaire Gina Rinehart (4th from left) with athletes.
Ms Rinehart arranged a variety of nutritious dishes to serve the athletes, including beef from her famous brand 2GR. In addition, the billionaire also gave each athlete a pair of boots from the Rossi brand.
The billionaire woman gave the athletes a pair of gold boots.
According to News.com.au, Ms. Rinehart has played an important role in sponsoring Australian sports. Famous athlete Emma McKeown shared that Ms. Rinehart has been a “lifeline” throughout her career.
“Swimmers need sponsorship, and Ms. Rinehart has supported me since I was 16. I am very grateful,” she said.
As of August 6, the Australian sports team is in 4th place in the medal standings at the 2024 Paris Olympics with 13 gold medals, 11 silver medals and 8 bronze medals.
