Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Eighteen months after winning gold for Australia at the London Olympics, Illawarra kayaker David Smith has added another accolade to his collection.
The 26-year-old received an Order of Australia Medal on Sunday for his achievement at the 2012 London Games.
Mr Smith overcame a disappointing finish at the 2008 Beijing games to take out the Canoe/Kayak Sprint K4 1000m race in London.
The Lake Illawarra sportsman has also represented Australia in numerous international competitions during his career, scooping the silver medal at the 2011 world championships in the Czech Republic
"Most of my life has pretty much been dedicated to my sport," Mr Smith said.
"I never went in things half hearted."
Winning the gold medal was a dream realised and it has created an unbreakable bond between himself and his three team members.
"What it did for us is create a trust and friendship that will be hard to break," he said.