Aussie Olympic champs get the rare golden opportunity with one royal member in Paris
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The spirit of camaraderie and international goodwill is always a highlight at the Olympic Games.
This year's events in Paris have been no exception.
In a heartwarming display of support, a royal family member made a surprise appearance to celebrate the triumph of one of Australia's competing teams.
Queen Mary of Denmark, who is Australian by birth, personally witnessed the Australian Olympic swimming team's victory in the recent 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Queen, who hailed from Tasmania, watched the stunning victory of Australian swimming team members Mollie O'Callaghan, Ariarne Titmus, Lani Pallister, and Brianna Throssell in the 4x200m freestyle relay race.
The team's gold medal win became more memorable as Queen Mary personally congratulated the team herself.
On top of the greeting, Queen Mary delivered a 'royal hug' to the winning athletes.
Queen Mary also took some photos with the team, which immediately made rounds on social media.
Today Show host Karl Stefanovic could not contain his excitement upon the sight.
'A gold medal in Paris and a royal hug. Does it get any better!' he exclaimed.
The connection between Queen Mary and the athletes became more evident as she shared Tasmanian roots with team member Ariarne Titmus.
Sarah Abo, also on the Today Show, highlighted the significance of the moment.
'At the end of the day, it's two Tasmanians. Look at her taking photos on her phone; I love this. It is such a special moment.'
Queen Mary's presence at the Olympics became a source of inspiration for the Australian team.
Prior to the opening ceremony, she visited the athletes in the Olympic Village.
She took the time to mingle and share their excitement for the games.
Queen Mary's Olympic tour continued beyond the swimmers and the current roster of athletes.
She also met with retired Olympic track cyclist Anna Meares.
Meares shared their encounter on social media, with a caption which read, 'Once an Aussie always an Aussie…and the Danish Queen. Great to see Queen Mary in the food court for lunch today.'
'I was a bit nervous, but she wished our athletes well, and I did invite her to our allotment for an Aussie coffee,' Meares added.
The Queen's connection to the Olympics goes back to the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
During the Sydney games, she met her now-husband, King Frederik.
Following Queen Margrethe II's abdication, King Frederik and Queen Mary ascended to the throne earlier this year.
This touching 'royal hug' moment goes beyond the glitz of medals and the fierce competition.
It's a reminder of the enduring ties between nations and the personal stories that weave through the fabric of the Olympic experience.
We congratulate the Australian Olympic Swimming team members on their recent victory.
What do you think of the athletes' encounter with Queen Mary? Have you seen other Olympic moments that bridged the gap between nations? Share your stories in the comments below!
Meanwhile, stay updated with Australia's medal count here.
This year's events in Paris have been no exception.
In a heartwarming display of support, a royal family member made a surprise appearance to celebrate the triumph of one of Australia's competing teams.
Queen Mary of Denmark, who is Australian by birth, personally witnessed the Australian Olympic swimming team's victory in the recent 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Queen, who hailed from Tasmania, watched the stunning victory of Australian swimming team members Mollie O'Callaghan, Ariarne Titmus, Lani Pallister, and Brianna Throssell in the 4x200m freestyle relay race.
The team's gold medal win became more memorable as Queen Mary personally congratulated the team herself.
Queen Mary of Denmark graced Australian athletes with an appearance before the opening ceremony. Image Credit: Instagram/Australian Olympic Team
On top of the greeting, Queen Mary delivered a 'royal hug' to the winning athletes.
Queen Mary also took some photos with the team, which immediately made rounds on social media.
Today Show host Karl Stefanovic could not contain his excitement upon the sight.
'A gold medal in Paris and a royal hug. Does it get any better!' he exclaimed.
The connection between Queen Mary and the athletes became more evident as she shared Tasmanian roots with team member Ariarne Titmus.
Sarah Abo, also on the Today Show, highlighted the significance of the moment.
'At the end of the day, it's two Tasmanians. Look at her taking photos on her phone; I love this. It is such a special moment.'
Queen Mary's presence at the Olympics became a source of inspiration for the Australian team.
Prior to the opening ceremony, she visited the athletes in the Olympic Village.
She took the time to mingle and share their excitement for the games.
Queen Mary's Olympic tour continued beyond the swimmers and the current roster of athletes.
She also met with retired Olympic track cyclist Anna Meares.
Meares shared their encounter on social media, with a caption which read, 'Once an Aussie always an Aussie…and the Danish Queen. Great to see Queen Mary in the food court for lunch today.'
'I was a bit nervous, but she wished our athletes well, and I did invite her to our allotment for an Aussie coffee,' Meares added.
The Queen's connection to the Olympics goes back to the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
During the Sydney games, she met her now-husband, King Frederik.
Following Queen Margrethe II's abdication, King Frederik and Queen Mary ascended to the throne earlier this year.
This touching 'royal hug' moment goes beyond the glitz of medals and the fierce competition.
It's a reminder of the enduring ties between nations and the personal stories that weave through the fabric of the Olympic experience.
We congratulate the Australian Olympic Swimming team members on their recent victory.
Meanwhile, stay updated with Australia's medal count here.
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