Australia Post to release Lydia Lassila Gold Medallist stamp
Monday, 01 March 2010
To celebrate Australia's second gold medal of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Australia Post will release an Olympic Winter Gold Medallist stamp on Wednesday 3 March, featuring an image of Lydia Lassila taken at the medal presentation ceremony on Thursday evening, Vancouver time.
Lassila won her gold medal in the Freestyle Skiing - Ladies' Aerials event on Wednesday at Cypress Mountain.
After landing two outstanding jumps in heavy fog for a total score of 214.74, Lassila had a nervous wait for the rest of the field to complete their final jumps. Chinese competitor Xu Mengtao, who led the field after the first round, failed to land her final jump, confirming Lassila's gold medal win.
This is the fifth Australian Olympic Winter Gold Medallist stamp. Australia Post has been producing Olympic Games Gold Medallist stamps since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
"Lydia has become our fifth ever Olympic Winter gold medallist and we are proud to honour her through the production of this stamp," said Australia Post's Group Manager of Philatelic, Mr Noel Leahy.
"The release of this stamp highlights Australia Post's support of the Australian Olympic Winter Team. To be featured on a stamp is a great privilege and our Olympic gold medallists have earned this through their commitment and dedication to their sport and representing their nation with such distinction on an international stage", said Mr Leahy.
The stamp features Lassila at the medal presentation ceremony in Vancouver, holding her gold medal proudly, her name and the event she competed in, the Australian Olympic Team logo and a graphic representation of the Canadian Alps in the background.
"We are confident the Australian public will join us in celebrating Lydia's victory in Vancouver and we expect to see strong demand for the stamps", Mr Leahy added.
Lydia Lassila Gold Medallist stamps can be purchased in an attractive sheetlet of 10 x 55c from participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps from midday on Wednesday 3 March, while stocks last.
The Tora Bright Gold Medallist stamps are on sale now.