Olympian talks about past pain

As Olympic fever grips the nation, veteran Olympian Lisa Forrest has spoken to the Wollongong and Northern Leader about her own experiences with the games – including death threats, letter bombs and government deals.

As China’s human rights record stirs many to discuss the political aspects of the international sporting event, Ms Forrest, whose brother lives in Corrimal, spoke about her firsthand knowledge of competing amid controversy.

When she was just 16, the Commonwealth Games gold medalist captained the Australian Swimming Team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, a decision that earned her public denunciation from both politicians and the media, as well as numerous death threats.

She said she was accused of putting personal sporting glory ahead of humanity.

“It was leveled at us that we were more interested in medals than human rights,” said the author, journalist and television personality, during a visit to Wollongong last week.

“It was incredibly controversial and the government was doing secret deals with sports associations, while many people were calling us traitors.

“In situations like Moscow and like Beijing we are trading, just like companies who do business with China all of the time – but noone wants the companies or the government to do anything – they just expect the athletes to take a stand.

“Just like the case with Moscow, the IOC have chosen to give the Olympics to a highly provocative city – but every city has skeletons in its closet.”

Ms Forrest has just released a book that reveals the truth behind the 1980 Games.

She spoke about the publication Boycott at Wollongong City Library last week, saying its contents had already created shockwaves.

“Noone has ever talked about Moscow – it’s just one of those things we knew not to talk about,” Ms Forrest said.

“Even as I was writing the book I wanted to see the minutes of the secret meetings that were held then – but John Coates still wont let me see them, because some of the people are still alive.”