Jelena Dokic chokes back tears in tribute to Aussie legend after surprise Logies win
A clearly stunned Dokic said she had nothing prepared and despite being given just 30 seconds for her acceptance speech, joked that she'd need 30 seconds just to compose herself after being awarded the Logie. "I'm actually in shock. I didn't think this was possible and I didn't have a speech prepared," an emotional Dokic began.
"I said to my Channel Nine team and Todd that we will wing it... I underestimated this one," she continued. The 42-year-old went on to thank those who made the documentary possible, including the production companies and team behind it, as well as Channel Nine for broadcasting her story, and the backing they've shown her since joining the network.
The Aussie tennis star's documentary 'Unbreakable', which was adapted from her 2017 memoir of the same name, aired in cinemas late last year and shocked with some of its awful revelations. But Nine's broadcast saw it reach a much wider audience and saw Dokic commended for shining a light on some of the horrific treatment she received at the hands of father Damir.
Dokic reached World No.4 and looked to have the world at her feet early in her career, but she was doing it all in spite of physical and mental abuse from father and coach Damir. The 42-year-old has since become a powerful voice in the battles against domestic violence and mental health and her words for survivors facing those challenges resonated with viewers around the country on Sunday night.
Jelena Dokic's powerful message about domestic violence
"This is not about winning,' she continued. "This is a win for victims and survivors, especially of domestic violence and mental health," she said. "To not just have those stories heard but for them to reclaim their life, to find their voice and not just survive but to thrive. To do what we need to actually be able to talk about it."
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The Aussie fan favourite delivered a poignant message to young women around the country to chase their dreams and not allow others to question their self-worth. "Never allow anyone to take your worth or happiness or smile away," she said. "Believe in your goals and dreams. I am standing here as someone who literally had that dream. I believed in it. I didn't give up on it. If I can do it, you can do it too."
Jelena Dokic reserves special praise for Todd Woodbridge
But Dokic's most heartfelt message was reserved for Aussie tennis legend and colleague Woodbridge, who said none of it would have been possible without his unwavering support. 'You're my person,' she said as the tears came spilling out. "When I retired 11 years ago, you told me I could be a commentator and speaker and bring my story to life.
"I looked at you and said, "I don't know who you're talking about, but you're not talking about me. I was a person who couldn't string two sentences together and had no social skills. You believed in me professionally. I hope everyone finds a Todd like I did.'
A beaming Woodbridge was clearly moved as the cameras panned to the Aussie tennis legend in the crowd, before Dokic wrapped up her memorable Logies speech. "You're a massive reason why I'm standing here in every single way. "If everyone can have a father and mentor like Todd, they would be very fortunate. Thank you, thank you everyone."
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