Ms ROWLAND (1:58 PM) —I rise today to recognise the outstanding achievements of my constituent Fabrice Lapierre, who won a gold medal in the men’s long jump event at the recent Delhi Commonwealth Games. This is Fabrice’s second major victory in 2010. He was also victorious at the world indoor titles. He previously won gold in the 2008 World Athletics Final and silver at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Fabrice, who is known to friends as the ‘big red kangaroo’ because he can jump as far as one, grew up locally in Quakers Hill and was an active member of the Blacktown Little Athletics Club. Fabrice is a dedicated and committed athlete who trains six times a week. In fact, following his success at the Delhi games, Fabrice returned home for only a few days before leaving to take part in another overseas competition. He is also turning his attention to the 2012 London Olympic Games, where I have no doubt he will again do his local community and his country proud. I have no doubt that young athletes across my community are looking to Fabrice as a source of inspiration. We are all very proud of Fabrice’s achievements, and I wish him all the very best for his future sporting endeavours.