Close to one thousand people gathered at the Presbyterian Church at Penshurst on Friday to farewell Olympic cycling champion Stephen Wooldridge OAM.
Steve Wooldridge grew up in the Narwee/Beverly Hills area, attending Beverly Hills North Primary School before advancing to Sydney Technical Boys High. He went on to gain a Bachelor Degree of Technology at the University of Western Sydney and was married to Dani Lindsay in 2002 and had two children Tom in 2007 and August in 2010.
The congregation, filled the church and overflowed towards Penshurst Street, listening to many people reflect on a life of achievement, as an academic, as an exceptional sportsman, as Director of Development at UNSW, as a husband, father, son, brother and friend to many.
Many of those friends travelled long distances – many were Olympic and World champions.
After the service the golden casket, draped with the Olympic and the Australian flag, was carried to the hearse by his close cycling mates, Ben Wilson, Adam Lucas, Ben and Josh Kersten, Brent Dawson his three world championship mates, and long standing coach Gary Sutton OAM.
The service included words from his father John, eldest brother David and Rik Dawson who delivered an address for her sister, Anna, Mr Wooldridge’s partner.
Jon Paparsenos and Mark Hoffman from UNSW spoke about the work achieved by Mr Wooldridge in raising funds for the Engineering faculty and Phill Bates reflected on a career in cycling that made this St George cyclist one of the greats of the sport.
Many dignitaries attended the service including John Coates, the Australian Olympic President.
Simon Poidevin, a big influence on his life in the past decade said: “Steve Wooldridge was somewhat of an exception to the persona of many of the world’s sporting elite. He was humble, caring, hard-working, ethical and generous with his time.”
Alan Jones AO, wrote this tribute: “Like many, I knew Steve as a gifted, gentle and achieving soul. Of course, he has etched his name in the annals of Australian sport. But more importantly, he will remain forever in the hearts of many of us. Illness can be an invisible thing and at times like these, we wish we could have done more. But to know Steve was our own personal reward. He is now at peace.”
