A civic reception was held at the Lithgow City Council chambers to welcome NSW Commonwealth Hall of Fame representative David Palmer OAM on Thursday, November 22.
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An acclaimed squash player, 42-year-old Palmer was added to the Hall of Fame earlier this year to recognise his outstanding career achievements at six Commonwealth Games including gold in 2018.
Palmer said he had been very fortunate in his career and was thankful for his hometown’s support.
“Lithgow is still home, even though we live in America now, it’ll always be home,” he said.
“It’s nice to be honoured by my hometown and my family still live here, so it’s great.”
Lithgow City Council mayor Cr Ray Thompson was proud to present a certificate of achievement to Palmer.
“What a privilege it is to acknowledge one of our great sportsman, it’s one thing to represent your country but to do it as an individual is just amazing,” he said.
Deputy mayor Cr Wayne McAndrew said it was a pleasure to honour the Lithgow man.
“He has reached the pinnacle of the sport. I was stunned when I saw the records I found on the Squash Australia website,” he said.
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Cr McAndrew also said Palmer had an outstanding life with outstanding achievements.
Palmer was overwhelmed by everyone’s support and gave a rundown of his career.
He said his last Commonwealth Games appearance was more of a personal challenge after being in retirement for six years.
“I decided to play these ones because they were back home on the Gold Coast and it was such a great feeling to win that gold medal in front of my family,” he said.
Palmer said winning gold was the best way to finish his career and now he had found other ways to carry out his love for the sport.
“I love squash so now I’m coaching and passing on everything I’ve learnt in my career,” he said.
Palmer thanked the community for its support and said he felt “happy and super honoured” to be acknowledged.
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