THE Miller family of Brisbane has a double interest in the Sydney Olympics.
Bob and Vicki Miller have not just one, but two of their six children competing in the Games.
The Catholic family from Newmarket will be barracking for 23 year-old Gail, who is in the water polo team, and 21 year-old Paul, who is fighting for Australia in the 75kg boxing division.
Both parents will be in Sydney offering moral support to the brother-sister duo in at least the opening rounds of competition.
All six of their children have excelled in the sporting arena in everything from rugby to swimming, but representing Australia at the Olympics caps off the family’s Midas touch.
Speaking with The Catholic Leader, Mr and Mrs Miller were unable to put their finger on the family’s formula for sporting success.
“They have always worked hard and stuck at it,” Mr Miller suggested. “We’re very lucky, we’ve had good kids,” his wife added.
Both Paul and Gail went to Catholic schools. Paul was school captain of Marist College, Ashgrove in 1995 and Gail completed her schooling at Loreto College, Coorparoo.
Gail was originally a promising champion swimmer. But then she started playing with the Loreto water polo team, and changed direction in her sporting career.
Paul was a rugby player until he was sidelined by injury and tried boxing with his brother Anthony.
Mrs Miller said she spoke with Gail soon after the team arrived at the Olympic village and said that her daughter’s excitement had started to peak following weeks of solid training.
