Top 10 Greatest Australian Athletes of All Time

G'day, sports enthusiasts! Get ready to embark on an exciting journey through the Land Down Under as we pay tribute to Australia's greatest athletic heroes. This vast and beautiful country has produced some of the most exceptional talents in the world of sports, demonstrating immense skill, determination, and an unyielding competitive spirit.

From the sun-soaked beaches to the rugged outback, Australia has been a breeding ground for athletes who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also become global icons and inspirations to millions.

In this top ten list, let's celebrate the prowess and passion of these extraordinary Australian athletes who have left an indelible mark on the world stage. They come from diverse sporting disciplines, ranging from swimming to cricket, from rugby to tennis, and beyond. Their incredible achievements have not only etched their names in the annals of sports history but have also played a pivotal role in shaping Australia's rich sporting legacy.

The Top Ten

Don Bradman

Sir Donald George Bradman, often referred to as "The Don," was an Australian international cricketer widely acknowledged as the greatest batsman of all time. Bradman's career Test batting average of 99.94 is regarded as the highest statistical achievement in any major sport. His legacy continues to influence... read more

Sir Don Bradman was twice as good as the next athlete in his generation. Never has this been achieved by any other sportsperson, especially Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan. In fact, today, his record is still 50% higher than the leading players' average runs scored. Other facts that should be considered are the laws were changed subsequently to protect the batsman (see the Bodyline series), but Bradman had to play through it. And all without the protective headgear of today and the super springy, lightweight bats. Bradman is by far the best cricket player the world has ever seen and should also be considered the best athlete worldwide.
The comment that these two gentlemen, who are no doubt great but in my humble opinion not the greatest, are voted into such a position is due to the heavy USA American and North American influence on the results. Even today, the laws remain changed.
Herb Elliott
Margaret Court

She deserves the number 1 spot.
As I have written elsewhere, the greatest can be considered according to the international recognition of their sports. The Olympic credit is the most important. Margaret Court is one of the most accomplished athletes of all sports.
Bradman may be an Australian legend, but his sport is of low international acceptance, so the same is for him as an athlete.

Check the statistics, people, they simply speak for themselves! No male or female sportsperson comes close.

Why isn't she a well-known and recognized Australian icon?
Rod Laver
Heather McKay
Dawn Fraser
Shane Warne

Shane Keith Warne (September 13, 1969 - March 4, 2022) was an Australian international cricketer, widely regarded as one of the greatest leg-spin bowlers in the history of the sport. He took over 700 wickets in Test cricket and was a key figure in Australia's dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s... read more

He is the best spinner of all time and a great ambassador of the sport.
Lauren Jackson

Lauren Elizabeth Jackson is an Australian former professional basketball player. The daughter of two national team players, she received a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport in 1997 at the age of 16. In 1998, she led the AIS team to win the Women's National Basketball League championship... read more
Tim Cahill

For the world game, he is the most recognizable and respected player for Australia. Even at his old age, people would look to him to carry the Socceroos in times of need.
Steve Smith

Calm and composed, a silent killer.

The Newcomers

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George Kambosos Jr.
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Aaron Mooy

The Contenders

Betty Cuthbert
Ian Thorpe
Gary Ablett Jr

Gary Ablett Jr. is a professional Australian rules footballer currently playing for the Geelong Football Club in the Australian Football League. He is the eldest son of Hall of Famer Gary Ablett Sr., also a former Geelong player. Ablett Jr. was selected by Geelong under the father - son rule in the 2001... read more

He just retired yesterday. What a legend he was to the game!
Ken Rosewall
Ben Simmons

Benjamin David Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player. As of 2025, he plays for the Los Angeles Clippers in the National Basketball Association. He was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft and has earned multiple All-Star selections, as well as the... read more
Peter Thomson
Andrew Johns

Andrew Gary "Joey" Johns (born May 19, 1974) is an Australian former professional rugby league player who was active during the 1990s and 2000s. He played primarily for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL and is considered one of the sport's all-time greats. Johns was named the eighth Immortal of rugby... read more

Australia's most accomplished and skillful athlete in its national game.
Sally Pearson
Ricky Ponting

Ricky Thomas Ponting is an Australian cricket coach, commentator, and former international cricketer. He captained the Australian national team in its most successful era and is widely considered one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. As of 2025, he serves as head coach of the Punjab Kings in... read more

As a batsman, hands down Australia's greatest in the modern era. As a captain, probably the GOAT. How many captains have two World Cups (both of which his team was undefeated) and have won 16 consecutive test (5-day) matches?
Allan Border

When Australian cricket was struggling in the '80s due to massive big-name retirements, A.B. stepped up like nobody else could.
Gary Ablett Sr.

Greatest natural athlete I ever saw by a country mile. Every attribute imaginable. And hardly ever trained, they reckon. Says it all in terms of natural talent.
Patty Mills

Patrick Sammie "Patty" Mills, born on August 11, 1988, is an Australian professional basketball player. As of 2025, he plays for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association. Mills previously played for the San Antonio Spurs, where he won an NBA Championship in 2014, as well as for... read more
Mark Ella
Andrew Gaze
Brett Lee

Brett Lee is a former Australian international cricketer and film actor. Known for his express pace, he was one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history. After retiring from cricket, Lee worked as a commentator for Channel Nine and has also appeared in several films, including in India.