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.

1. 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 one of the greatest statistical achievements in any major sport. His legacy continues... 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.

2. Herb Elliott

3. 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?

4. Rod Laver

   

5. Heather McKay

   

6. Dawn Fraser

7. 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 708 wickets in Test cricket and was a key figure in Australia's dominance during the late 1990s and early 2000s... read more

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

8. 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 1999, she helped the AIS team win the Women's National Basketball League championship... read more

9. 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.

10. Steve Smith

    

    Calm and composed, a silent killer.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    George Kambosos Jr.

    
12. ?

    Aaron Mooy

The Contenders

13. Betty Cuthbert

14. Ian Thorpe

15. Gary Ablett Jr

    

    Gary Ablett Jr. is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Geelong Football Club and the Gold Coast Suns in the Australian Football League. He is the eldest son of Hall of Famer Gary Ablett Sr., who also played for Geelong. Ablett Jr. was selected by Geelong under the father-son... read more

    He just retired yesterday. What a legend he was to the game!

16. Ken Rosewall

    

17. Ben Simmons

    

    Benjamin David Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player who last played for the Los Angeles Clippers in the National Basketball Association. He was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft. Simmons has earned three All-Star selections and won the NBA Rookie... read more

18. Peter Thomson

19. 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 spent most of his club career with the Newcastle Knights in the NRL and is considered one of the sport's all-time greats. Johns was named the eighth Immortal... read more

    Australia's most accomplished and skillful athlete in its national game.

20. Sally Pearson

21. Ricky Ponting

    

    Ricky Thomas Ponting is an Australian cricket coach, commentator, and former international cricketer. He captained the Australian national team during its most successful era and is widely considered one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. He has served as head coach of the Punjab Kings in the... 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?

22. Allan Border

    

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

23. 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.

24. Patty Mills

    

    Patrick Sammie "Patty" Mills, born on August 11, 1988, is an Australian professional basketball player and basketball executive. He last played professionally for La Laguna Tenerife of Spain's Liga ACB and serves as the general manager of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors men's basketball program. Mills previously... read more

25. Mark Ella

26. Andrew Gaze

27. 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 and appeared in films, including the Indian-Australian production UnIndian.