Cape York Weekly FREE – #017 | Monday, January 18, 2021
Editor: Matt Nicholls 0477 450 558 | editor@capeyorkweekly.com.au
Golden girl Toomey eyes Winter Games By MATT NICHOLLS
A COMMONWEALTH Games gold medalist, an Olympian and a four-time CrossFit Games champion – Tia-Clair Toomey has achieved more than most in her career. But the Weipa product has her sights set on another major challenge, representing Australia at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Yes, you read that correctly, the Winter Olympics. Having grown up in northern Queensland, Toomey will try and qualify for the Australian
bobsled team. She has even relocated to South Korea with husband Shane Orr, also from Weipa, to train with the best in the world. Almost two years ago, Toomey was contacted by the Australian bobsled team who were keen to recruit the Olympian and CrossFit champion. “The fact that I have the opportunity to potentially represent my country in a different sport is just so humbling, it’s such an honour,” she said. “It’s a bit of a strange thing how I found myself in this
position, but I’m so excited to see what this new journey and adventure can provide.” Toomey represented her country in weightlifting at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. But she’s not retired from CrossFit. The 27-year-old will return to the United States next month to resume her training for a fifth-straight title. “Honestly, it just couldn’t have played out any better; in my eyes (the two sports) only complement each other.”
Shane Orr and Tia-Clair Toomey met in Weipa and have travelled the world together. They are currently in South Korea as Tia trains as a bobsledder.
Australia Day at The Alby!
Cane Toad races and auctions The Alby smoker will come to life Drink and food specials TAB with all Oz Day races live Stone The Crows duo playing 2 – 6pm Face painting: gold coin donation to local Firies Mega meat tray raffles: all proceeds to local Firies