Sport Australia Hall of Fame: Hewitt, Dunstall among 7 new inductees
From Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallists to champions of team and individual sports, six of the nation's most exceptional athletes will be inducted into one of the most select clubs in the country in November after their contributions on and off the field were recognised.
Two-time grand slam tournament champion Lleyton Hewitt, four-time VFL/AFL premiership winner Jason Dunstall, Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cup-winning captain Laura Geitz, former Australian rugby league captain Cameron Smith, Olympic snowboard gold medallist Torah Bright and Australia's most-capped Socceroo Mark Schwarzer make up a stellar list set to be recognised.
They will join an honour role featuring the biggest names in Australian sport, including Sir Donald Bradman, Dawn Fraser, Cathy Freeman and Ian Thorpe.
While athlete membership of the Hall of Fame belongs exclusively to the top echelon of Australian competitors, Dr Peter Harcourt, one of Australia's most experienced sports medicine practitioners will be inducted as a general member to recognise his distinguished career spanning over four decades.
Olympic gold medallist Torah Bright has been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Picture: Getty
Harcourt worked tirelessly with several national and international sporting organisations, including in basketball, cricket, the AFL and Commonwealth Games, while he has made significant contributions to sports medicine in injury prevention, concussion management and return-to-play protocols, as well as anti-doping monitoring and practices.
Sport Australia Hall of Fame selection committee chair Bruce McAvaney said the seven new inductees was a diverse group that had represented the country in team and individual sports at the highest level.
'They've inspired generations of Australians and provided our country with so much joy,' McAvaney said.
Legendary Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer produced some iconic moments for Australia.
'Nothing is obvious when choosing between champions from so many different sports but we know the class of 2025 sits comfortably alongside those who've already been recognised in the most prestigious Hall of Fame in this country.'
The inductees talked of their honour at receiving recognition and the special place sport and the values it had taught them for life well beyond their playing days, played in their lives.
Hewitt, who played 20 consecutive Australian Open championships and claimed the US Open and Wimbledon singles titles in a glittering career during which he became the youngest world no.1 at just 20, said the recognition was surreal.
Lleyton Hewitt celebrates his Wimbledon triumph in 2002.
Hewitt had a decorated tennis career.
'When you're playing your professional career it's not something you think about at all or focus on but over the years growing up in Australia we've had such a rich history – not only in our sport of tennis, but also in so many other great sports as well – that I've had so many great role models and idols that I've looked up to, all there in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame,' he said.
'So for me now to be inducted is an incredible honour.'
Bright, Australia's most successful Winter Olympian after snaring snowboarding gold and silver medals across three Olympic Games, said sport had taught her 'everything'.
'Those early days skiing with my family built the foundation – connection, freedom and fun. Sport gave me confidence in who I am beyond results,' she said.
'It taught me discipline, self-awareness, and the importance of creating an environment that supports who you truly are. It taught me to believe in myself and in what's possible. It also taught me resilience … (and) most importantly, I've learned that it's all a game.'
The 2025 Inductees will be celebrated and formally inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of
Fame at a dinner in Melbourne on November 17, where two existing members will be elevated to Legends of Australian Sport status and the 2025 winners of The Don and The Dawn Awards will be announced.
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