Nova Peris is a name synonymous with groundbreaking achievements in Australian sport and a tireless advocate for Indigenous rights. Her path from a young girl in Darwin to an Olympic gold medalist and beyond is one etched in history books.
Nova Peris’ story begins in Darwin, where she grew up with a strong foundation of education and sports. Her upbringing was markedly different from that of her mother, who was part of the Stolen Generation, sent to a mission on the Tiwi Islands at just eight years old.
“I had the freedom of education and sports, which is not like my mother had. She instilled in us the value of education and the importance of the opportunities we had,” Peris reflects.
Her early dreams of Olympic glory were ignited by watching the 1980 Moscow Olympics. She recalls, “That’s where it all started – I was the nine-year-old kid who wanted to go to the Olympics one day.”
From a young age, she was deeply involved in sports, particularly hockey. Her talents were soon recognised, leading her to represent Australia in international competitions.
Peris’ entry into athletics was somewhat serendipitous, thanks to her godmother who noticed her speed and encouraged her to join athletics. “I was always running and jumping,” Peris says. Her natural talent shone through, and she soon fell in love with the sport, adding another feather to her already impressive cap.
In 1996, Peris made history as the first Indigenous Australian to win an Olympic gold medal with the Hockeyroos.
She recounts the moment of realisation, “It was only after we won that someone told me, ‘You’re the first Aboriginal person to win Olympic gold.’ I had no clue. It was an incredible feeling.”
Peris is the only person to reach back-to-back Summer Olympic finals in different sports and to win both Olympic and Commonwealth gold medals in different sports.
Over her 13-year career, she’s seen two Olympics, four World Championships, three Champions Trophies, and the Commonwealth Games. Her induction into the Australian Sports Hall of Fame as the only woman in the multi-sport category underscores her diverse talents.
Reflecting on her journey, she notes, “To be in a minority group and achieve something so great, knowing the history of the injustices of Aboriginal people, makes the achievement even more incredible.”
As a member of the Australian Senate, she has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and social justice. Her transition from sports to politics was natural, driven by her desire to address the systemic issues facing Indigenous communities.
Peris is passionate about promoting Indigenous excellence, especially as Australia prepares for the upcoming Olympics. She highlights the significance of NAIDOC Week coinciding with the Olympics, noting that all Australian Olympic athletes will wear Indigenous artwork on their uniforms.
“This is about representing 65,000 years of ancient history alongside 250 years of modern history,” she tells Sydney Observer.
Her work with the Nova Peris Foundation is another testament to her commitment to Indigenous communities. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation addresses food insecurity and promotes self-determination through sustainable initiatives.
“It’s about providing the resources for communities to sustain themselves,” she explains.
In the spirit of trying things new, Peris has now embraced a new challenge: Dancing with the Stars Australia. “I was really nervous because I had no background in dance,” she admits.
Paired with the “patient” and “supportive” Craig Monley, Peris has tackled various dance styles – the jive being her favourite.
“Everyone got along and encouraged each other, it was a big family.
“We all wanted each other to do really well. So I just embraced the experience and had fun!
“I wanted to highlight that our health and wellbeing can be maintained irrespective of age.”
For Nova Peris, her story continues to inspire countless individuals, old and young, demonstrating that with resilience and passion, one can do anything.
As she aptly puts it, “Enjoy every single moment and embrace it all.”
Whether on the sports field, in the political arena, or on the dance floor, Peris continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations.
Be sure to catch her on Channel 7’s Dancing With the Stars Australia.
(by Willow Berry)
