He was a young kid with a big dream and we are all very proud to see him achieve it.
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Lithgow's Lachlan Sharp is representing Australia at the 2020 (2021) Tokyo Olympics.
In recognition of the 24 year-old's success the Lithgow Mercury has gathered a few good luck messages from his nearest and dearest and the local community.
From your family
First and foremost Sharp's family wish him all the luck and success in Tokyo and will be cheering from the lounge.
"We are so proud and so excited for him."
Good luck from:
- Amie, Geoff and Max
- Zach and Tara
- Dayna
- Nan and Pop
- Great Grandma
- Grandma and Grandpa
- All your aunties and uncles and second cousins, Ella, Ava, Nash, Axel and Blake, Cooper and Baily, Theo and Nora
Lithgow mayor
Lithgow mayor Cr Ray Thompson sends congratulations and good luck on behalf of the Lithgow community.
"Congratulations to young gun Lachlan Sharp our local Lithgow star making it to the Tokyo Olympics," he said.
"Lachlan starred in the Junior National Development squad back in 2017 and has continued his success progressing into the Kookaburra squad, playing in numerous world cups.
"Lachlan works locally in the mines but has sacrificed and put on hold his career, pursuing his passion for Hockey.
"Whenever Lachlan is able to return home he always returns to his local hockey grounds to help out with clubs assisting in their development.
"Lachlan is widely respected in the community and we wish him all the success in the coming Tokyo Olympics games."
Zig Zag Hockey Club president Ben Kelly
Ben Kelly had kind words and good luck wishes for Sharp on behalf of the Lithgow Hockey Association and Zig Zag Hockey Club.
"Lachi is a fantastic ambassador not only for Lithgow Hockey but for Zig Zag Hockey Club, he played all his junior hockey here, he has mentored young kids and he is such a role model for lots of kids in the district," he said.
"Including my four kids, they absolutely idolise him, he took the time to come around and see them after he won his Commonwealth gold and any time a sporting hero comes up my kids say Lachi Sharp is their hero.
"He's a wonderful advocate for the game, he's just got such a wonderful attitude and he comes from a wonderful family he's from good pedigree.
"We wish him all the best in the Olympics from everyone from Lithgow Hockey and Zig Zag Hockey Club."
- Lithgow Junior Hockey has made a booking at Club Lithgow on July 24 at 10.30am to watch Lachi Sharp and the Kookaburras take on Japan
Di Corney retired Zig Zag Public School teacher and sporting coordinator
On behalf of your old primary school Zig Zag Public's retired Di Corney wishes you good luck.
"While playing hockey for our little school, Lachi not only showed exceptional skills but always a determination and desire to win," she said.
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"He would surprise opposing teams with his ability to be everywhere and take on every challenge. He was the driving force in Zig Zag winning two state championships which was a huge feat for such a small school.
"His dream of playing for Australia and going to the Olympics was evident even back then and has again come to fruition and his hard work has paid off.
"Lachi has a great personality and deserves all the accolades we can give.
"Good luck mate, play well and we will be cheering you on."
Ross James, former WRAS coach
Ross coached several of Lachi and his brother Zach's Western Region teams. He also made the trip to Zig Zag School presentation day when Lachi was in year 6 to present him with the major Sporting Blue award.
"Lachi was a part of the Western Area primary school team. I had him for about three years and we won two state titles in that time," he said.
"He was always a dynamic player, dominating and courageous, highly skilful and very aggressive in the circle when he had to be, he was a pleasure to coach.
"I just get so much pleasure in seeing him play for Australia now, I tune in whenever I can and I think it's so exciting he is going to Tokyo, I'm thrilled to have been just a minor part in his career. Good luck mate."
Good luck from your old high school
Sharp is an ex-Lithgow High School student and is still highly regarded. Deputy principal Jeff Dean wished him all the success for the Summer Olympics.
"Lachi Sharp has been a very gifted hockey player since he was young. His family have dedicated many years to hockey," he said.
"He was a member of the Lithgow High School Open Boys Hockey team from Year 7 to Year 12. He was a member of the 2010 NSWCHS Knockout champion team.
"He represented Lithgow High School, Western Region and NSWCHS with distinction during this time. He was awarded a NSWCHS Blue for Hockey in 2015.
"Lithgow High School, and indeed, the whole Lithgow community is immensely proud of Lachi and what he has achieved so far in hockey."
"He is a wonderful ambassador and role model for young people in Australia. He has developed into a champion hockey player and a fine young man.
"We wish Lachi every success in Tokyo. Go Kookaburras!"
From the Lithgow Mercury
We have followed Lachi's hockey journey closely over the years and it's always a pleasure to share his sporting success and his journey.
We wish you all the best for Tokyo and look forward to reporting on what's to come.
Go for gold and good luck!
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