The ‘accidental hero’ gold medalist Steven Bradbury receives an Australian bravery award for rescues

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Greater than 20 years after profitable an unlikely gold medal briefly observe speedskating on the Salt Lake Metropolis Olympics, Steven Bradbury is again within the information for an additional good motive.

Bradbury has been introduced with a bravery award by the Queensland state governor for rescuing 4 youngsters from tough seas at a seaside at Caloundra, an hour north of the capital Brisbane, in March of final 12 months.

In 2002, Bradbury turned often called the “unintended hero” after profitable Australia’s first Winter Olympics gold medal.

Bradbury was nicely off the tempo within the 1,000-meter race when all 4 of his opponents crashed out on the ultimate nook whereas jostling for the gold medal. That allowed Bradbury, who was about 15 meters behind, to keep away from the pile-up and glide by to win the ultimate.

Australian Olympic Committee President Ian Chesterman on Wednesday mentioned Bradbury’s braveness and fast considering saved lives final 12 months.

“The truth that Steven acted rapidly, calmly and with such braveness is so spectacular. He richly deserves this recognition,” Chesterman mentioned of the bravery award. “We’ve all the time admired Steven for the best way he has made historical past on the ice, however his actions final 12 months replicate an unbelievable achievement — saving 4 younger lives.”

Bradbury, now 50, was educating his son to experience a surfboard when he noticed a teenage lady in bother. He despatched his son to alert lifeguards whereas he paddled to the younger lady, who he returned to the seaside earlier than paddling out once more to help three different youngsters in bother.

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