Dean Woods
Mr McCURDY (Ovens Valley) (12:49): I would like to convey my condolences to the family of Dean Woods, who passed away last month. Dean Woods put Wangaratta and the north-east of Victoria on the map as an 18-year-old who won gold at the Los Angeles Olympics. His funeral was well attended by his former teammates, and Dean in his own way delivered his own eulogy. Dean’s coach spoke about the uneven playing field of the 1980s, the carbon fibre wheels, the aerodynamic helmets and the substances that were used by competitors. All of these factors made gold even more special to the boys from Down Under. Dean, you were a credit both on and off the velodrome, and cycling in the north-east has blossomed since you took the world by storm. Cyclists young and old hold you in very high esteem as a mentor and inspiration. Vale, Dean Woods.