Wheelchair basketballer Shelley Chaplin has pleaded for the return of a gold ring given to her for participating in the London Paralympics, saying it has little monetary value.
The ring was just one of 24 given to members of the Australian basketball teams in London, and was stolen last week from Chaplin's home in Ashburton, in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
Cash and a car key were also stolen from the house.
The 28-year-old said the ring would not be worth much money, but was as dear to her as the silver medal she won at the London Games.
"It's four years of hard work and it's a gift from Basketball Australia, so it's a little memento of my time," she told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday.
Chaplin pleaded for the thief or thieves to return the ring, saying it would not hold much monetary value.
"The ring isn't really worth anything," she said.
"I don't think they saw my medal. But the ring does look a little bit more impressive, given that it's gold."
Police are urging anyone with information about the theft to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
