The late Steve Irwin was set to be topped Australian of the 12 months in 2004 however misplaced out on the title on the 11th hour as a result of crocodile feeding photograph controversy.
Ex-Olympian Lisa Curry revealed the crocodile hunter was first on the record for the distinguished honour, however it was in the end given to cricketer Steve Waugh after he was requested to withdraw his nomination.
The bombshell was shared in Curry’s new memoir Lisa: 60 Years of Love, Life & Loss and the previous athlete informed Information Corp if she might flip again the clocks and provides Irwin the award, she would.
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Curry, who was then chair of the Nationwide Australia Day Council, stated the sudden resolution to not title Irwin Australian of the 12 months was due to the controversy surrounding the photographs of him feeding a croc whereas holding his child son, Robert Irwin.
“It was such a shemozzle that ought to by no means have occurred,” Curry stated. “At the moment, I’d have simply stated ‘no, we’re going forward with it’.”
“Generally you do issues to please folks, to please the media or the general public, and today I might go ‘No. That is what we’re doing. The particular person deserves it and it will stand.
She added: “If I had my approach now I might posthumously give him the award.”
Curry stated the council made the choice to ask Irwin to withdraw his nomination with the idea he may very well be re-nominated in two years’ time.
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Irwin was killed two years later in 2006 by a stingray and by no means lived to obtain the honour.
The crocodile hunter’s notorious photograph feeding the reptile whereas holding his child son Robert sparked main outrage in Australia and past.
Irwin was compelled to apologise for inflicting alarm whereas he carried out the stunt throughout a present at Australia Zoo in Queensland.
“I had a protected working distance with that crocodile when that befell,” Irwin stated on the time
“I am so sorry that it is bought to this, however that is the best way it’s – if I might have my time once more I’d in all probability do issues slightly otherwise.
“However I’d be thought of a foul dad or mum if I did not educate my youngsters to be crocodile savvy as a result of they dwell right here – they dwell in crocodile territory.”
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