Australian swimming champion Grant Hackett launched the twentieth anniversary of Telstra HeroMessage®, which offers fans the opportunity to interact with their sporting heroes by sending them a message of support, ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

To celebrate the 20th year milestone, twenty of the nation’s most notable public figures including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson, comedians Hamish and Andy, ex-Olympians Raelene Boyle, Dawn Fraser and Michael Klim and leading Australian footballers John Aloisi, Dale Thomas, Matthew Pavlich and Nathan Hindmarsh sent the Australian Olympic Team the first messages of support to inspire and motivate our athletes.

Grant Hackett was excited to receive these HeroMessages on behalf of the team before he departed Australia for his third Olympic Games.

“It’s an incredible feeling to be supported by other Australians, and Telstra HeroMessage® lets fans communicate with us while we’re competing overseas,” Hackett said.

"It’s amazing to see how the format of these messages has changed over the 20 years – from faxes to emails to video messages sent from mobile phones, all with an underlining Aussie tone of encouragement and support.”

The first Telstra HeroMessages® were sent in 1988 to the Australian Olympic Team competing at the Seoul Olympic Games. Since then, the service has grown to offer fans new ways to share their sporting passion with our top teams competing in international competitions.

“The latest advancement in the Telstra HeroMessage® service allows the athletes to personally respond to messages they receive from fans. Telstra is proud to be a part of keeping athletes closer to their families, friends and fans back home,” Bill Obermeier, Executive Director Brand, Advertising and Sponsorship said.

“Telstra HeroMessage® gives supporters a unique opportunity to interact with their sporting heroes. This, together with Seven’s coverage of the Olympic Games live on your Telstra Next G™ mobile, is bringing Australians closer than ever to all the action – as our Next G™ network covers 99 percent of Australians," he continued.

To get behind the Australian Olympic Team as they compete in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, send a text, picture or video message of support from your mobile phone to 0428 MY HERO (standard carrier charges apply) or go Telstra HeroMessage® (www.telstra.com).

 Telstra is a committed sponsor of the Australian Olympic Team and the Telstra Dolphins Australian Swimming Team and is Official Mobile Partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.