MovingTarget
15th May 2010, 12:45 AM
Not a bad accomplishment for a 16 year old girl :)
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has greeted solo sailor Jessica Watson near the steps of the Sydney Opera House after her seven-month voyage around the world.
After 210 days at sea, Watson's boat Ella's Pink Lady today crossed through Sydney Heads, marking the official finish line of her epic around-the-world journey.
Watson was met at the Man O' War jetty of the Sydney Opera House by her family before receiving a tribute from Mr Rudd in front of thousands of people.
"Jess welcome back to dry land. Welcome back home to Australia. You know something, you may feel a little wobbly on your feet just now, but in the eyes of all Australians you now stand tall as our newest Australian hero," Mr Rudd said.
"At sixteen years old you are a hero to all young Australians. You are also a hero to all young Australian women. You do our nation proud."
Mr Rudd said he had spoken to Watson during her journey several times by satellite phone.
"We've spoken a lot in recent months over the satellite phone. Sometimes more clearly than others. These conversations have been terrific," he said.
"On Australia Day I asked you, what was your message to all Australians?... And what you said was three simple words: 'Live your dream'.
"Jessica today you have done just that. Today you have lived your dream."
You're wrong, Mr Rudd
However in a move that drew cheers and laughter from a crowd of thousands of admirers, Watson said she disagreed with Mr Rudd's tribute.
"I don't consider myself a hero, I'm just an ordinary girl," Watson said, adding that you didn't have to be someone special to achieve great things.
"You just have to have a dream, believe in it and work hard," she said.
Minutes earlier, Watson's first words over the amplifier were say she was overwhelmed by having so many people welcome her home.
"I've been at sea for so long and there's absolutely nothing out there," she said. "I think it's slowly sinking in."
Watson said her journey was the product of starting with overcoming small challenges and gradually setting her sights higher with each victory.
"When I first started sailing I was terrified of it. I wasn't thrilled by the whole idea," she said. "But I stuck to it and now I love it."
Watson said the foods she was most looking forward to enjoying after seven months at sea were fresh fruit, fresh cream, chocolate and "something spicy and a salad to go with it".
Link: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/solo-sailor-jessica-watson-returns-to-australia/story-e6frfq80-1225867097824
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has greeted solo sailor Jessica Watson near the steps of the Sydney Opera House after her seven-month voyage around the world.
After 210 days at sea, Watson's boat Ella's Pink Lady today crossed through Sydney Heads, marking the official finish line of her epic around-the-world journey.
Watson was met at the Man O' War jetty of the Sydney Opera House by her family before receiving a tribute from Mr Rudd in front of thousands of people.
"Jess welcome back to dry land. Welcome back home to Australia. You know something, you may feel a little wobbly on your feet just now, but in the eyes of all Australians you now stand tall as our newest Australian hero," Mr Rudd said.
"At sixteen years old you are a hero to all young Australians. You are also a hero to all young Australian women. You do our nation proud."
Mr Rudd said he had spoken to Watson during her journey several times by satellite phone.
"We've spoken a lot in recent months over the satellite phone. Sometimes more clearly than others. These conversations have been terrific," he said.
"On Australia Day I asked you, what was your message to all Australians?... And what you said was three simple words: 'Live your dream'.
"Jessica today you have done just that. Today you have lived your dream."
You're wrong, Mr Rudd
However in a move that drew cheers and laughter from a crowd of thousands of admirers, Watson said she disagreed with Mr Rudd's tribute.
"I don't consider myself a hero, I'm just an ordinary girl," Watson said, adding that you didn't have to be someone special to achieve great things.
"You just have to have a dream, believe in it and work hard," she said.
Minutes earlier, Watson's first words over the amplifier were say she was overwhelmed by having so many people welcome her home.
"I've been at sea for so long and there's absolutely nothing out there," she said. "I think it's slowly sinking in."
Watson said her journey was the product of starting with overcoming small challenges and gradually setting her sights higher with each victory.
"When I first started sailing I was terrified of it. I wasn't thrilled by the whole idea," she said. "But I stuck to it and now I love it."
Watson said the foods she was most looking forward to enjoying after seven months at sea were fresh fruit, fresh cream, chocolate and "something spicy and a salad to go with it".
Link: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/solo-sailor-jessica-watson-returns-to-australia/story-e6frfq80-1225867097824