Who is Australia's greatest sporting icon?

Question

Is it Donald Bradman, Rod Laver, Ian Thorpe, David Campesi, Cathy Freeman, Eyvonne Goolagong,(sorry if i miss spelt that) or someone else?

Perhaps Ricky Ponting or Steve Waugh may be.

I am trying to give options to all ages. You may select a male and a female candidate if you wish. All I ask is what attributes make the person(s) you choose deserving of this accolade.

I await your views with interest.

Answer 1

Steve Waugh- He stayed away from controversy and put his team and country first.



Marjorie Jackson Nelson- Darling of 1956 Olympics who is a volunteer and advocate of cancer fundraising and research, she was also the Governor of South Australia.(recently retired)

Answer 2

well, I'd say Donald Bradman.

He played very well, and on the world stage. Even to this day, he is someone who every Australian cricketer looks up to. In his day, he gave hope to the whole nation.

Answer 3

Dawn Fraser - She has represented our nation at so many different competitions for swimming. Was a good role model for younger generations despite the Toyko '56 allegations. She is just great at what she does and yeah deserves it.

Answer 4

Leo Barry for 'That' mark in the 2005 AFL Grand final. Just Kidden.

Peter Thompson (Golf) Won 5 British Opens and put Australian Golf on the world map.

Patrick Rafter (Tennis) Doesn't have a cabnet full of trophies, but would have to be the best and fairest sports person in sport

Answer 5

Sir Donald Bradman & Betty Cuthbert.

Answer 6

John Eales

Answer 7

hey im related 2 don bradman so i guess i should probly say him!

(i dont know how im related but its distant but my mum's maden name is bradman)

also peter brock.. absolute LEGEND!!!

there is also louise savage.. (i think i might be related 2 her distantly as well.. maybe??) she is a paralympian in 400m (wheelchair) i think?

anyway.. i met her once and she is an inspiration! she makes u grateful 4 what uve got

Answer 8

JAMES TOMKINS (or Tompkins - online articles spell it both ways in the same article!!!) one of the original "oarsome foursome" in Barcelona in 1992 is a five-time Olympian who has won three gold medals. and alsoWorld Championship Gold: 1990, 1991, 1998 (coxed four).

And, from left field: JODI WILLIS ROBERTS - SIXTH time according the the linked article source; but Paralympian, 1988 (Seoul - goal ball)

1996 (Atlanta - discus and/or shotput) 2000 (Sydney - GOLD) 2004 (Athens) 2008 (Beijing - one of the field events) - she's a "blinkie" B2 blind.

  

Answer 9

Micheal Milton!

http://www.michaelmilton.com/

he's been to about 6 winter paralympics, won a stack of medals, he's the fastest man on 1 leg ever to go down a ski slope, he the fastest Aussie with 1 or 2 legs to go down a ski slope, he's battled cancer twice, once as a kid were he lost his leg and more recently last year, now he's traded in his ski's for a bike and will be competing at the Beijing paralympics.

and he was voted  Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability by his peers!

have a look at his website, some of his achievements are amazing!

another fav of mine is mick doohan.......

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/motogp/r...

5 world tittles, probly could have been seven, without that horrific crash!

he just a great sportsman and a great ambassador!

1 more he's a horse but he's a champion horse and aussie,

takeover target

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeover_Ta...

he's travelled the world and beat the best sprinters on the planet, he's now a 9yo and his best may still be ahead of him!

what a champ!

go you good thing!

Answer 10

Howard Stern

Answer 11

Wally Lewis  

Answer 12

Dawn Fraser and Don Bradman

Andrew Gaze could be another one.

Answer 13

i would have to say sir donald bradman. he was committed and extremely dedicated to his sport, and his results will never be capped in our lifetimes.

after he retired he also became heavily involved in cricket

some qualities of the don include, modest (never bragged about his achievements and never admitted he was the best in the world), dedicated, committed, determined (never gave up), courageous (went out to face Bodyline bowling), leadership (captained australia for years) and selfless.

he was the best ever cricket player and maybe the best ever sportsman in the world. i would have to say he is Australia's biggest sporting icon.