CYCLING BIO
Charlie Walsh was national cycling coach at six Olympic Games, 15 UCI World Championships, five Commonwealth Games and two Goodwill Games.
With Walsh at the helm Australia became an international leader in track cycling and he was instrumental in establishing the National Under 23 road team in Italy.
A highlight of Walsh's career was the gold medal won by the 4000m team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The win by the Australians was the first cycling gold medal since 1956. The win contributed significantly to raising the profile of cycling in Australia.
He was awarded Coach of the Year for all sports in Australia in 1982 and 1984, Individual Coach of the Year for all sports in 1993 and 1995 and Team Coach of the Year for all sports in 1993 and 1995.
Walsh was recognised for his services to cycling when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1987.
Major Achievements
- 78 gold medals (seven Olympic, 35 World Championships, 36 Commonwealth Games)
- 50 silver medals (11 Olympic, 20 World Championships, 19 Commonwealth Games); and
- 51 bronze medals (16 Olympic, 27 World Championships, eight Commonwealth Games).
