Messages of congratulations have come in from across the shire in honour of 2024 Paris Olympian Laura Gourley, formerly of Narrabri.
The messages came via cards located at shire offices and libraries and were officially presented to Laura by Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens.
Cr Tiemens thanked the Olympian for representing her hometown on the world stage and described her achievements as amazing.
“We are so glad you didn’t forget your beautiful hometown,” he said.
Laura recently returned to Narrabri to spend time with family while also visiting local schools. She visited Narrabri Public School, St Francis Xavier’s Primary School and Narrabri High School.
She said students had shown great excitement during her visits.
Word of the shire’s Olympics enthusiasm had also reached Paris, with Laura and her parents Ian and George well-aware that the community had gone green and gold.
“It was really nice,” Laura said of the efforts the community made to celebrate their Olympians.
“We didn’t get the result we wanted. But to see all the stuff that happened in town, it really picks you up.”
Laura, who now lives in the Blue Mountains, is studying Agricultural Science at the University of Sydney.
However, she is always happy to embrace an opportunity to return home her parents’ property.
Laura was well-supported on the ground in Paris, with 28 family and friends making the journey to the French capital.
Laura’s sights are now set on selection for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
