Arise Sir Welch!

Arise Sir Welch!

Aussie Greg Welch receives high Aussie honor for his outstanding and ongoing contributions to triathlon.

Arise Sir Welch! Well not quite, but our own Greg Welch, the man who first toppled the American domination of Ironman and went on to record four world championships in various triathlon distances before an early and medically forced retirement, is now Gregory Anthony Welch OAM.

For an Aussie that's pretty much the equivalent to a Presidential Citation, or a Junior Knight in the British system. His actual award is known as the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

The announcement came on January 26^th, Australia Day.

So, WTC technical director, commentator, Ironmanlive.com anchor and all-around-good guy, Greg Welch accepted his Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and his citation reads:

Mr Gregory John WELCH
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Citation: For service to the sport of triathlon as an athlete, advisor, coach and commentator.

Date Received: 26 January 2004
 

Typically, "Plucky" was blown away.

"It was bloody unreal," were his first words following the announcement. "The reaction throughout my family was of course one of delight, many of them thought it well deserved and there were many more 'good on ya's!'"

On reflection however the award awes Greg. "It's an award that initially you think of that others get to have and to hold and to cherish. Then, when it comes down to it, I thought, WOW! I must have really had an impact on something."

"It was not until I retired, or for that matter took a back seat or strangely, just looked at things from afar, that I realised how much I did in my career as an athlete and now as a person."

Typically and modestly, however, it's Greg's final words that sum up the man and the award. "I'm am just thrilled with the award, but it came as a surprise, second nature to the fact I was only being me, 'Plucky'."

'Goodonya' Greg Welch OAM - Four time World Triathlon Champion - Ironman Champion