Revealed: How Bondi stabbing victim Ashlee Good became a champion at two sports and received a once-in-a-lifetime Olympics honour
- Ashlee Good represented her state in basketball and netball
- Was the daughter of North Melbourne footy great
- Good died Saturday in a stabbing in Westfield
Bondi Junction victim Ashlee Good was such a talented junior athlete that she was selected to carry the Olympic torch as it traveled around Australia before the 2000 Games in Sydney.
The 38-year-old mother died hours after she and her daughter were stabbed in the shocking attack in Sydney’s east on Saturday.
Five women – including Good – and a man were killed by Joel Cauchi with a knife.
Cauchi apparently targeted women, but authorities have not attributed any motive to the attack beyond citing the attacker’s history of mental illness.
Good was the daughter of ex-North Melbourne footballer Kerry Good, but is also remembered by many as a great athlete in her own right.
Bondi stabbing victim Ashlee Good (pictured) was a champion junior athlete
Good was selected to carry the Olympic torch as it traveled through Australia in 2000 (pictured, mourners lay flowers near the site of the Bondi Junction attacks)
She grew up in the Echuca-Moama community in Victoria and proved herself to be an exceptionally talented basketball and netball player, representing the state in both sports.
Before the Sydney Olympics, Good had been selected for the All Australian under-16 netball squad after an outstanding performance at the national championships.
Just a few years later, at the age of 18, Good was captain of the Victorian Country Basketball team.
Her tragic death on Saturday brought tributes from Victorians who remembered her as a sports star.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ashlee Good, a beloved member of our Melbourne Tigers family. From her earliest days on the court as a junior, Ashlee’s talent and tenacity shone brightly,” the Melbourne Tigers NBL club posted on Instagram.
Good’s junior basketball club also paid tribute on social media.
“The Echuca Moama Basketball Assoc extends their condolences and love to the family of Ash Good at this absolutely devastating time,” the club wrote.
‘Ash grew up in Echuca and was a very talented basketball player. She played all her Juniors with Echuca. To many, she was a caring, loyal and admiring friend. Rest in peace Ash.’
As an adult, Good remained very active and competed in triathlons.
The Melbourne Tigers basketball club paid tribute to Good after Saturday’s tragedy
Good’s junior basketball club also posted a touching tribute to her after the tragedy
One of Aslee’s friends, Lara Good, noticed this while paying tribute to her on social media.
“My beautiful soul sister, I am in total disbelief. The many laughs shared, the triathlons conquered, the bush runs, the baking on the beach, the happy times we lived and worked together.
“We certainly shared the love of sunshine and smiles and a ‘GOOD’ life!!” Lara Goed wrote.
“You were the most stunning girl inside and out. Your smile lit up every room. My heart breaks, all my prayers go out to [Ashlee Good’s baby] for a strong recovery.
‘Great love. RIP my beautiful Ash Good. Taken too soon, but never forgotten.’
Good was well known in Melbourne’s sporting community and was close friends with ex-Demons player Steve Febey, who posted a heartbreaking tribute to her on Sunday morning.
“Words fail me, absolutely shattered,” Febey posted on social media alongside a series of photos of himself and Good together.
“I can’t fathom how this could happen to the most amazing, beautiful and caring human being.
“I will always cherish our friendship, five stars and the wonderful times we shared. I love you forever Ash xx.”