Born in the Silver City on a rainy autumn day in April 1961, Kim Harvey grew up to become one of the pre-eminent gymnasts of her era and is now being recognised in the Far West Sporting Hall of Fame.
Ms Harvey told the Barrier Truth she was “thrilled” to learn of her upcoming induction.
Kim went to Alma Primary School, then one year at Broken Hill High School before moving to Willyama High to finish her secondary education. At 18 she left for Adelaide’s Flinders University.
A talented gymnast from a young age, Kim’s excelled in artistic gymnastics.
“So, my speciality, and probably what I enjoyed competing in the most, was the floor and the balance beam.”
Her junior career culminated in her being named in the 1974 Australian Junior Squad. The following year, she was named in the National Elite Gold Squad, which led to her membership of the
Australian Woman’s Artistic Gymnastics Team, and she competed around the world.
Her career included many accolades, including representing Australia in the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. That was hot on the heels of her becoming Australian Beam champion in 1976 at the National Championships in Melbourne.
“A big moment was marching out into the arena at the Commonwealth Games and gymnasts are at the front of the group, because we’re short. We were the first team out because Australia was hosting the following Comm Games, so that was amazing. To walk into that stadium and to be walking in the Australian team and just the sound of the crowd. I’ll never forget that,” Kim told the Barrier Truth.
“And then also what is probably my favourite competitive moment was becoming National Champion of Australia. When you compete, you do it to do your best. And I think, for me, that was a time I was at my absolute best.”
Ms Harvey praised teammate and fellow Broken Hill native, Australian teammate and coach, Marina Sulicich.
“The people of Broken Hill were a massive part of the success of the gymnastics club. They raised money for us to train and compete overseas.”
“Marina was so amazing. A lot of those overseas competitions, she was on the team too. And on some occasions, she was our coach too, which was great. I mean, she was an Olympian – she was amazing.”
Kim remained involved in gymnastics following her competitive career, pursuing a career in coaching, beginning in Adelaide and eventually to Canada, where she stayed for 11 years.
Looking back on her career and all the incredible successes, achievements and life experiences, Kim paid tribute to Broken Hill.
“The people of Broken Hill were a massive part of the success of the gymnastics club. They raised money for us in order to allow us to train and compete overseas. They say it takes a village to raise a child, it actually took a whole city to get myself, and my teammates, to get to that level of gymnastics, and for that I am so grateful.
“When anyone achieves success in sport or reaches an elite level, you don’t do it on your own. I was so lucky that Broken Hill had a great coach, as well. And of course, my parents and my poor sister who got dragged around all over the country to watch me compete. I couldn’t have done it without any of them.
“Today I am retired, so I retired a little earlier than I had anticipated, but my mother has Alzheimer’s, so I wanted to spend more with her. I also volunteer quite a lot through Rotary, and I have had some senior volunteer positions in that organisation.”
