Missing out on her boxing debut at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Queanbeyan’s Monique Suraci says it was “surreal” to compete in Paris this year.

Monique was one of Canberra’s Paris Olympic and Paralympic heroes welcomed back home with open arms amongst the flowers at Floriade on Tuesday, 17 September.

The athletes spoke about their Games experience at Commonwealth Park’s Stage 88.

They were also on hand to have their photograph taken and sign autographs for community members.

Monique was the first Australian woman to compete in the 51kg boxing division at the Olympics. She was knocked out in the first round.

Monique says the whole process of being in Paris for the games was “surreal”.

“It takes a little bit to kick in while you’re there. It was unbelievable,” she says.

Monique says being overseas for about three months, she missed home.

“You’re happy to be home; it’s so grounding to be home and come back to Canberra,” she says.

“For me, Canberra is such a safe space. It’s where my family is, it’s beautiful, but you look back at the games and you’re like, that’s done.

“I’ve spent so long of my life preparing for that big moment and it flashes before your eyes and it’s done.”

The 23-year-old says she hopes to make it onto the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics team.

Another athlete happy to be back home celebrating with the Canberra community is Paralympic long jump T61 gold medallist Vanessa Low. She also set a new world record in the event with a jump of 5.45 metres.

“To be able to catch up with friends and be home and have a coffee on your couch, it’s been nice,” she says.

Vanessa says it is special to come back home with a medal.

“I felt leading into the competition the pressure was building up,” she says.

“It’s the same for every major comp, you feel the pressure of needing to perform, and you feel nervous about it.

“Somehow this time around, when I stepped out into the stadium, all the pressure just fell off and I just loved it from the first second of being there.”

Vanessa says she is unsure whether she will compete at the next Paralympics, but isn’t ready to step away from athletics yet.

“I’m getting to that point in my career where you go year-by-year and see if my body still wants to do it and see if I still enjoy doing what I do,” she says.

“It’s essential to still love the journey and the process, so we’ll see.

“Maybe ask me in two years’ time again and see how I feel about everything.”

Floriade was packed to the rafters with visitors enjoying the flowers, music and stalls, while hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite athletes.

Lauren Barclay from Brisbane was at the event with her children Bon, 8, and Lulu, 5.

The family explored the flower festival while Lauren’s husband was attending a conference.

“It will be memorable and hopefully be an inspiration for them (their children) to follow their dreams and to work hard to achieve those, whether it’s in sport or otherwise,” Lauren says.

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