Welcome to 2024
2024 is an exciting year in the world of sport with many major sporting events on the horizon including the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, AFL & AFLW, NRL & NRLW and ARU Grand Finals as well as many other tournaments. The Sport Australia Hall of Fame looks forward to cheering on team Australia, including many of our past and present Scholarship Holders, as they compete in the green and gold.
Stay tuned throughout the year as we induct new Members into the Hall of Fame, award more scholarships to talented young elite athletes and host some fantastic events.
Dawn surprises Torrie at Maurie Plant Meet
Sport Australia Hall of Fame 2024 Scholarship Holder and Australian 100m record holder Torrie Lewis placed a gallant 2nd in the Women’s 100m against her trans-tasman rival at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne in February. Torrie was absolutely elated when she crossed the line to spot her Mentor, SAHOF Legend Dawn Fraser AC MBE, who had flown down from Queensland to surprise her.
It was wonderful to see so many SAHOF Members in attendance, including Bruce McAvaney OAM who commentated the meet and athletics icons such as Cathy Freeman OAM, Steve Hooker OAM and Raelene Boyle AM MBE. A huge thanks to Athletics Australia for helping facilitate this special moment for Torrie and Dawn, and to the Australian Sports Commission for helping us capture it on camera – keep an eye on our socials for footage of the event.
Deakin University Partnership
Deakin University, home to the world’s best sport science school, will partner with the Sport Australia Hall of Fame to provide exciting opportunities for Deakin students, to create platforms for thought leadership and to advocate for women’s sport and gender equity. This collaboration aims to inspire the next generation of sport leaders, both on and off the field, by combining the academic excellence of Deakin with Australia’s rich sporting heritage.
Over the next 3 years, Deakin and SAHOF will work together to offer Deakin students exclusive opportunities, including behind-the-scenes access to the MCG, hosting collaborative forums such as the Women in Sport conference, and supporting the Chair’s Round Table for Sport and other SAHOF events.
Deakin pride themselves on offering a personalised educational experience bolstered by world-class programs and innovative digital engagement. Their commitment to creating opportunities in a connected, evolving world aligns perfectly with the mission of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, which exists to preserve and celebrate the history of Australian sport while inspiring all Australians to achieve their potential in sport and in life.
Sportscover Partnership Update
Sportscover and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame are extending their partnership for three more years. Since 2017, both organisations have been committed to excellence in Australian sport. One of the key events of this collaboration is the annual Chairs’ Round Table for Sport. This exclusive gathering brings together the top leaders in Australian sports for insightful discussions on current issues, contributing to the industry’s progress.
Scholarship Holder Success
Alysha Koloi becomes World Champion
On World Championship debut, 2021 Scholarship Holder Alysha Koloi delivered the performance of her life to claim a gold medal in the Women’s 1-Metre Springboard in Doha. A very promising start to the Olympic year for Alysha who is “stunned and elated” about becoming a World Champion. We look forward to seeing what Alysha will achieve following this outstanding performance.
Tyla, Marissa & Caitlin qualify for Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Following their results at the 2023 Pacific Games, a trio of our Scholarship Holders in the sport of boxing, Tyla McDonald (2022), Marissa Williamson (2021) and Caitlin Parker (2015), all secured their spot on the Australian team headed to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This will be Tyla and Marissa’s first time competing at an Olympic Games and Caitlin’s second Olympics.
Jeff Dunne qualifies for Paris 2024 Olympic Games
2023 Scholarship Holder Jeff Dunne ‘J Attack’ made history by becoming one of Australia’s first ever Olympic breakdancers after he won gold at the 2023 Oceania Breaking Championships. Jeff and the sport of breaking will make their Olympic debuts at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and this unique sport is sure to bring a new level of excitement to the games.
