Peris-Kneebone, Nova (1971–)

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Peris-Kneebone, Nova (1971–)

Australian-Aboriginal fieldhockey player and runner. Name variations: Nova Peris. Born Nova Peris, Feb 15, 1971, in Darwin, Australia, a member of the Muran Clan, traditional owners of Kakadu and Arnhem Land regions; m. Sean Kneebone.

Won a team gold medal for field hockey at Atlanta Olympics (1996), the 1st Aboriginal to win a gold medal; as a runner, won the 200 meters at the Commonwealth Games (1998); attended the Constitutional Convention at the request of the prime minister (1998); also an accomplished artist. Named Young Australian of the Year (1997).

See also autobiography Nova: My Story.