Petria Thomas

Petria Thomas OAM is an Australian sporting icon who has provided joy and inspiration for many Australians through her sporting success, resilience and determination.

She is triple Olympic Gold Medallist and winner of 15 National titles. She became the first female swimmer to ever win the same event at three consecutive Commonwealth Games – the 100m butterfly. She has claimed 8 Olympic Medals, 12 Commonwealth Games Medals and 16 World Championship Medals.

Following retirement from swimming after winning 3 three gold (including individual gold in the 100m Butterfly) and a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Petria became Australian Team Leader at three Commonwealth Youth Games and was on the Australian team headquarters staff at four Commonwealth Games, including being the Deputy Chef de Mission for the Australian Team at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. In 2019, Petria was appointed as the first female Chef de Mission for an Australian Commonwealth Games team and will lead the team into competition at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Petria has been awarded an OAM for her services to sport. In 2005 she released her autobiography ‘Swimming against the tide’.

Since retiring from the pool Petria has been busy developing an impressive resume and gaining experience across all facets of sport. She has worked in a variety of administration and management roles at organisations including the Australian Sports Commission, Swimming Australia, Gymnastics Australia and now holds the position of Assistant Director of Engagement at Sport Integrity Australia.