A Message from Sport Australia Hall of Fame Chair, John Bertrand AO
It is with deep remorse that the Sport Australia Hall of Fame have lost so many incredible Members this year including; two swimming greats who dominated the swimming scene, John Konrads and Harry Gallagher OAM; Meg Wilson AM one of Hockey’s trailblazers and NRL Immortal Bob ‘Bozo’ Fulton AM.
As the global pandemic continues, it is imperative that Australians stay connected and work together. Our thoughts are with Members, Scholarships Holders, Australian athletes and the entire Australian Community who are struggling. There is always help for those who ask. You are not in this alone. And remember, we are a lucky country with a lot to be grateful for.
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame has been adapting and working collaboratively with sporting organisation, Sponsors, Members and Scholarship Holders to bring opportunities and innovative projects to life.
Together with Victoria University, the Sport Australia Hall of Fame delivered the sixth National Sport Integrity Forum on Thursday, May 27, 2021. A detailed summary will be circulated in the coming weeks.
Proudly supported by Sport Australia and the AIS, applications for the 2022 Scholarship and Mentoring Program will open early June and we encourage all eligible to apply for this game changing program. We are also celebrating many exciting initiatives; NAIDOC week, National Volunteer Week and of course we take a look back in time and remember our Members’ moments.
As a proud National organisation, with SAHOF Members located across the country, we are delighted to announce that we have secured office space in Brisbane while still holding our main office at the iconic MCG. A special mention to SAHOF Member Belinda Clark AO and Cricket Australia’s Interim CEO, Nick Hockley for their generosity of allowing SAHOF to be located within Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane QLD. This is a terrific opportunity for SAHOF to collaborate on a National scale and work closely with many Members and some of the biggest sporting organisations in Australia.
Finally, we congratulate the Australian Sports Museum for re-opening their doors again after nearly a year of closure. Rasa and myself took our two grandchildren for a tour last holiday and it is simply remarkable. I encourage everyone to come and take a tour.
Go Australia!
John Bertrand AO
Chair, Sport Australia Hall of Fame
Legend Spotlight
Evonne Goolagong-Cawley wins 1971 French Open
This year, on June 5, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Evonne Goolagong-Cawley‘s incredible French Open triumph – her first Grand Slam singles title, and a tournament in which, as a 19 year-old, she failed to drop a set to any opponent in any of her six matches.
A month after winning the French, seeded third, she stunned defending champion and fellow SAHOF Legend, Margaret Court, in the Wimbledon final. [Read more]
Hall of Fame Moments
‘That Ball’ – Shane Warne’s Ball of the Century
On June 4, we celebrate the 28th anniversary of ‘That Ball’ Shane Warne‘s Ball of the Century. It was a delivery that cricket history when Warne stepped to the bowling crease in a 1993 Ashes Test match, and bowled the ball that dismissed Mike Gatting.
In 2010 this moment was recognised as a Hall of Fame Moment. Click here to nominate your favourite Australian sporting moment for consideration as a Hall of Fame Moment.
2022 Scholarship & Mentoring Program
2021 T1 Scholarship Holder, Marissa Williamson with her Mentor, SAHOF Member and Olympic Games gold medalist, Kerri Pottharst OAM
Scholarship applications opening early-June. Keep an eye on our social media channels & Website for exact dates!
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program will provide encouragement and funding for 12-14 months to assist young elite Australians to achieve at the highest level in theor sport.
The Program has expanded into three Tiers, now offering greater opportunities to more Aussie athletes. Please click the following link for more information.
Proudly Supported by Sport Australia and AIS
Member Spotlight
Hard Wired – Life, Death and Triathlon by Emma Carney
Emma Carney blasted onto the World Triathlon scene in the 1994 ITU Triathlon World Championships on her international debut. She won the race and world title by the largest margin ever. Emma then went on to be ranked world number one for three years, won more races than any other triathlete before her and won another world title. Throughout her dominance, Emma always championed for equality for women and was often isolated for her stance. She never did lower her standards to fit in though…
Most expected Emma would go on to dominate the first event of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the Women’s Triathlon. Sensationally, Emma never became an Olympian. Hard Wired presents the never-before-told story of the circumstances that brought that dream to an end. It takes the reader into the dark years a World Class athlete faces when athlete wellbeing is absent and when sporting administration fails. Emma also narrates the reader through sporting governance that exposes athletes to individuals who should not coach, given their conduct. Much of these topics have not been discussed before, instead they have been left as skeletons in the sporting cupboard.
Emma’s story doesn’t end with her non-selection for the Sydney Olympics, as it turns out further tragedies and sadness followed for years. Her high performance racing career ended abruptly, when she found herself dying by the roadside uncovering a heart condition that highlighted how outstanding her efforts to dominate triathlon in the 1990’s was. Since retirement and what Emma calls her ‘loss of identity’, Emma also faced the death of her sister from cancer, the near-death of her other sister, a failed marriage, and her struggle for direction and purpose. Honestly told, Hard Wired is both entertaining and heart-wrenching. It shows how to fight the good fight with dignity and integrity. How to be human and superhuman at the same time. How to survive life-and to overcome adversity and remain a true champion of women and for women in sport. It is also a story of resilience and ultimately hope. Reconnecting with her roots, Emma has finally found a path forward.
“It’s a rare event when a world champion writes so forthrightly. Emma Carney’s book is passionate and outspoken about the hidden side of athletic rivalry”. Professor Geoffrey Blainey
To purchase your copy of Hard Wired – Life, Death and Triathlon by Emma Carney, click here, contact Emma directly via email, Google “Emma Carney Autobiography” or head into any Readings book store.
Geoff Henke Winter Olympic
Training Centre – Officially Opened
The Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre has officially opened in Brisbane’s Sleeman Centre, with Federal Minister for Sport Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck, Queensland Minister for Sport Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe MP, AOC President and SAHOF Member, John Coates AC, and of course our very own Geoff Henke AO, launching the world-class international freestyle skiing facility.
A $6.5 million collaboration between the Australian Government through the AIS, Queensland Government, AOC and OWIA, the facility was named to honour the life-long contribution Geoff Henke has made to Australian Winter Olympic sport.
Image & article: Victorian Institute of Sport
Sponsor News
Sport Australia and the AIS thank volunteers: ‘most important job in sport’
Recognise. Reconnect. Reimagine.
National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate the significant contribution of Australia’s 3.1 million volunteers who donate their time to sport and physical activity each year. Volunteers are the heart of our community and we need them now more than ever to help rebuild sporting communities.
Sport Australia and the AIS, along with all sports in Australia, is encouraging Australians to consider the many benefits volunteering in sport brings, specifically during National Volunteer Week, May 17-23.
To help celebrate #NationalVolunteerWeek, SAHOF Members Mal Meninga AM and Libby Trickett OAM encourage people to get involved in volunteering for their local sporting club. “Volunteers are the absolute lifeblood of sport in our country.” Libby Trickett OAM. Hear more here.
Sport Australia Acting CEO Rob Dalton also shares his experience. “The job that changed my life didn’t come with a salary, but it has helped me earn everything I have”.
Without volunteers, sport would look very different, they are crucial to the enjoyment and participation of sport at all levels. Whether you’re coaching a team, marking the lines, an official or administrator at a sporting club or organisation or running the canteen, thank you for your dedication and commitment to Australian sport.
Interested in volunteering but don’t have a club? Find one here.
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Victoria University
Victoria University launches unique
sport data analytics short course
Sport industry professionals looking to upskill in a high-demand discipline are discovering Victoria University’s new six-month Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics for Sport Performance.
The only qualification of its kind in Victoria, the four-unit course is delivered online by industry leaders with a practical focus on performance analytics, and in 2021 it attracts substantial fee subsidies and HECS-HELP loans.
The reliance on data analytics continues to accelerate – particularly in sport, where it’s increasingly being used to make informed decisions about physical performance, and technical and tactical strategy.
Student Brad Keller – Strength and Conditioning Coach at Fremantle Dockers, says that working full time he values the course’s online delivery and its industry-focused curriculum.
“The impacts of the pandemic have really highlighted how important it is to increase my skillsets and keep adding strings to my bow. The teacher uses real examples with data sets that have recognisable, day-to-day applications. I’ve been able to apply my new knowledge to my work almost immediately.” – Brad Keller
VU research fellow Dr Alice Sweeting says she’s pleased to see students from many areas of the industry enrol in the short course, which is being taught via the award-winning VU Block Model.
“People from diverse backgrounds are discovering the benefits of this course, from coaching and sports management, sports science to strength and conditioning. Upskilling in data analytics is giving students a vital advantage in their careers.” Dr Alice Sweeting.
Enrol today and start in August: Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics for Sport Performance.
