Inside the glittering party on a spectacular glass riverboat that Gina Rinehart is throwing for our Olympic golden girls in Paris – and the very special treat she’s airlifting in for them

EXCLUSIVE

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart is splashing out cash on a lavish Paris Olympics party for what she believes will be the best Australian swimming team in history. She believes they deserve nothing less than the very best the French capital has to offer.

The billionaire boss has hired a luxury glass-topped riverboat, a world-class chef and live entertainment for a glittering star-studded party to honour Australia’s most medal-winning swimmers and rowers next Monday.

And it’s not just French dishes on the menu: Ms Rinehart revealed she’s even having her beloved wagyu beef flown in from Australia especially for the festivities.

“These young, hardworking Australians are people our country can be proud of,” Ms Rinehart told Daily Mail Australia.

‘They are fantastic role models and ambassadors for our country. They help lift our spirits and make Aussies proud of our country – all good, positive qualities in my opinion.

‘Perhaps among these exceptional young people we will also find the future leaders our country needs.

“I hope (our afterparty) will be a night the athletes love!”

The star-studded eruption will take place on the luxury riverboat Ducasse Sur Seine on the final day of the race

‘Of course, our [Rinehart-branded] 2GR Wagyu sails with us and in the evening the Seine looks beautiful. The live entertainment is young and fantastic.

“This is just a very, very small recognition of the incredible effort our Olympians have put in over the years.”

Mrs Rinehart is expected to attend the rowing final at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium during the day next Monday, followed by the swimming final in the evening.

She will join Australian Olympic legend Dawn Fraser for the final at La Defense Arena in Paris before heading out to sea for her Olympic victory on the Seine.

The glittering party is held on the luxury riverboat Ducasse Sur Seine and lasts 2.5 hours. You will cruise along the river and pass by city landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Louvre.

The delicious dishes on board come from the internationally renowned French chef Alain Ducasse, who has more than 20 Michelin stars.

Ms Rinehart said she had been overwhelmed by the atmosphere at the Games so far and hoped she could still make her voice heard at the celebrations after cheering on Australia’s sports stars the following week.

“I’m known for losing my voice really quickly!” she joked.

She looked forward to celebrating all of Australia’s successes at the Games, but the people she had helped achieve their dreams were particularly close to her heart.

“Of course my favourite events are those related to the sports I myself patronise, because of my special bond with those wonderful young people and also with many of their families,” she said.

‘The beach volleyball players are thrilled with their spot right next to the Eiffel Tower, the swimmers are enthusiastic about the pool they get to compete in and say it is one of the best pools they have ever seen.

“I believe Australia will be representing its best ever swimming team at the Olympics, so it will be quite exciting.”

Mrs Rinehart, who spends about $10 million a year supporting Australian athletes in swimming, rowing, volleyball and artistic swimming, has become a key part of the country’s Olympic organisation and a popular figure among the country’s athletes.

She said she continues to be impressed by the dedication, discipline and commitment of the Australian athletes and had wanted to convince them that simply reaching the Paris Games was an extraordinary achievement.

“Maybe we can get some inspiration by illustrating it mathematically, given that the percentage of Australians who manage to participate in the Olympics is so small,” she said.

Gina Rinehart is expected to attend the rowing and swimming finals with Olympic legend Dawn Fraser, ahead of the afterparty

The mining magnate will have her beloved wagyu beef shipped in from Australia especially for the party

‘Most inspiring are the athletes who, like our amazing Dawn Fraser, have attended multiple Olympic Games and won Olympic gold medals.

‘But even those who participate in the Olympic Games for the first time are rare and exceptional, as only 0.00013% of the population manages to become an Olympic participant!

‘Of course those zeros get a lot higher if there is more than one Olympic Games, and they get even higher if there is more than one medal!’

‘I hope my words to the participants of the Olympic Games have been useful, as they are exposed to a lot of noise, media and other distractions.

‘I love seeing young Australians striving for excellence and working very hard to represent our country at their best. Young people I am proud of.’