Over the next seven weeks, millions across the country will be glued to their screens, watching you all with pride as you represent the very best of sport and Australia to the world.

No-one can unite us like our Aussie athletes. We saw how the Tokyo Games united us in spirit while we were physically apart due to lockdowns. Watching our athletes reminded Australians of what we can achieve in periods of great adversity, with your efforts helping to inspire the next generation of kids to chase their dreams.

While it will be an absolute joy to see fans return to the stands in Paris – including, most importantly, your loved ones – know that we at home will be cheering you on just as loudly, staying up later and setting alarms for early starts to watch you all do us proud.

And no matter the result, we will be proud. No athlete goes to the Olympics or Paralympics not believing they can come away with a medal, but whether you do come home with some hardware or not, it doesn’t mean you haven’t won.

We are proud that the entire Australian high performance system has united behind a mission to win well, where it not only matters when you win but how you win, and that performance goals will be balanced with wellbeing and supportive environments.

Win well also recognises that victory will look different to every athlete; it might be your first Games or your eighth, it might result in a personal best, or a spot on that coveted podium. But by carrying yourself with integrity, humility, fair play, and Aussie grit, you will be winners to us all and inspire countless of kids in the process which in turn provides us with that pathway to finding the next Patty Mills, Madi de Rozario, Jess Fox, or Brendan Hall.

And that’s really what it is all about, giving our children something to dream about and be inspired by. Whether that is to get outdoors and play with their friends, live healthier lives, or strive towards wearing the green and gold themselves at our home Games in Brisbane, the impact you will have during your time in Paris is immeasurable.

Finally, to our fellow committee members in Paris – Alyce, Chris, Danni, and Jane – we are so proud of you and can’t wait to cheer you on.