PROUD PARENTS: Noel and Ruth Cavanagh. Picture by CATH BOWEN
Green and gold fever has gripped Noel and Ruth Cavanagh a little differently than some.
The images of men and women competing on TV and in the press are a constant reminder of their daughter’s contribution to Australia’s Olympic campaign.
Clare Cavanagh helped fit the team’s uniforms in London, during the countdown to the games.
“We’re very proud,” Mr Cavanagh said. “Fashion has been her passion.”
Miss Cavanagh grew up in Morpeth, where her parents still reside, and was trained in fashion design at Tighes Hill TAFE.
“She was working for Sportscraft when the Olympics came up and she thought, ‘Good, I’ll go and get some experience,’” Mr Cavanagh said. “Some people have the flair to sketch these designs, but Claire has the skills to make the patterns and put it together.
“Like all little girls, she used to dress up a bit.”
Miss Cavanagh has since left her job with Sportscraft and London on a holiday adventure of sorts, meeting up with friends and exploring.
“She’s just seeing what’s available,” Mr Cavanagh said. “The clothes remain the property of the Australian Olympic Commission so sadly she wasn’t able to souvenir any of it.”
Mrs Cavanagh said the publicity of Sportscraft at the opening of the games was a proud moment.
“We were very excited to see her splashed across the newspapers and TV news,” she said.