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.
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 has been cited as the greatest achievement by any sportsman in any major sport. 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.
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?
Shane Keith Warne was an Australian cricket commentator and former international cricketer who captained the Australian national team He is the best spinner of all time and a great ambassador of the sport.
Lauren Elizabeth Jackson is an Australian former professional basketball player. The daughter of two national basketball team players, Jackson was awarded a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport in 1997, when she was 16. In 1998, she led the AIS team that won the Women's National Basketball... read more
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.
Calm and composed, a silent killer.
The Newcomers
Gary Ablett Jr. is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Geelong Football Club in the Australian Football League. The eldest son of Australian Football Hall of Fame member and former Geelong player Gary Ablett Sr., Ablett was drafted to Geelong under the father-son rule in the 2001... read more He just retired yesterday. What a legend he was to the game!
Benjamin David Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association.
Andrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He is considered by many to be one of the greatest players of all time. Australia's most accomplished and skillful athlete in its national game.
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?
When Australian cricket was struggling in the '80s due to massive big-name retirements, A.B. stepped up like nobody else could.
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.
Patrick Sammy "Patty" Mills is an Australian professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association.
Brett Lee is a former Australian international cricketer and film actor. He is a former Channel Nine Commentator.