In part one of this series we highlighted who we believed to be the top 10 Aussie sportsmen among ball playing sports. Now it’s time to take a look at those who compete in sports without balls.
10. Rowing – Oarsome Foursome
How can you forget these guys? They captured the hearts’ of Aussies during their decade of dominance. Throughout this time they achieved two Olympic gold medals, one silver and two world championships. Perhaps the most popular combination of rowers was the first which included James Tomkins, Nick Green, Mike McKay and Sam Patten.
9. Horse Racing – Nash Rawiller
They may be small in stature but jockeys certainly reach some great heights and perhaps none more so than Aussie jockey, Nash Rawiller. While his name might not resonate as loudly as another famous Australian Jockey’s, Rawiller has won many significant races including 49 Group One wins, including the 2005 Dubai Duty Free valued at $1.3 million. He has ridden the Melbourne Cup on several occasions; however his biggest win to date was the 2004 Caulfield Cup. Horses ridden by Rawiller have amassed a staggering $87 million over his career… not bad Nash, not bad at all.
Honourable mention: Damien Oliver
8. Shooting – Michael Diamond
Okay, so we’re not sure shooting should really be classified a sport either, but hey, who are we to argue with the Olympic committee? Michael Diamond rose to fame for his gold medal successes in both the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics in ’96 and 2000 respectively. He held the world record in double trap (two flying clay discs instead of one) and held the final world record in trap between ’07 and 2008. Let’s just say, the boy can shoot!
7. Swimming – Ian Thorpe
Australia has been blessed with swimming talent for many years so this was perhaps the hardest one for us to choose; however, when you look at his career achievements, it’s pretty hard to argue with Thorpie taking out the top gong. The bloke has won five Olympic golds, and with three gold and two silver medals, was the most successful athlete at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Thorpe was the first person to have been named Swimming World Swimmer of the Year four times, and was the Australian Swimmer of the Year from ’99 to 2003. He blew his competitors out of the water (bad pun) when it came to freestyle and was a vital cog in the many relay teams he competed with. Not only was he a gun swimmer, but was probably one of the most loved Aussie athletes of his time.
Honourable Mention: Keiran Perkins
6. Boxing – Jeff Fenech
Turning professional in 1984 after a stint in rugby league as a junior, Jeff Fenech went on to have a decorated career with the gloves on his hands. Often referred to as the Marrickville Marauder, Fenech went hard out on his opponents from the opening bell till the final one. He won titles in three weight divisions in the space of four years. He bounced back from a couple of early retirements and finally hung up his gloves with a record of 28 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw, with 20 wins by knockout.
Honourable Mention: Kostya Tszyu
5. Motorbike Racing – Mick Doohan
Mick Doohan stamped his authority on the racing circuit and etched his name among the all-time greats of 500cc racing in 1997 when he claimed the world championship for the fourth successive year. He joined Agostini and the late Mike Hailwood as the only riders in history to win four consecutive 500cc titles – not a bad achievement for a kid from Brisbane. Doohan was made a Member of the Order of Australia in ’96 and received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000. Over 137 starts he hit the podium a staggering 95 times and of those had 54 wins.
4. Speed Skating – Steven Bradbury
Best remembered for his gold medal winning performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics, Bradbury had to make this list… just because of that event. For those that don’t recall, he won by default because his three opponents hit the deck during a pile up on the last corner (check out the video below). We’re sure he achieved plenty more during his career, but this win alone was enough to include him in our list.
3. Running – Steve Moneghetti
Boy, can this guy run, and run… and run. He began his career as a 10,000 m runner (anything less just was just a warm up) and finished fifth in that event at the 1986 Commonwealth Games. He competed in marathons in Berlin, Tokyo, Atlanta, Barcelona and Seoul during World Championships, Olympic and Commonwealth Games. He set the course record for Sydney’s 14km City 2 Surf in 1991 – a record that still stands – while his best performance in the Olympics was 5th place at Seoul in 1988. His professional swansong took place at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Marathon where he placed 10th overall.
Honourable mention: John Landy
2. Cycling – Cadel Evans
Australia’s greatest ever cyclist has just competed in his last competitive race to cap of a stellar career which most notably included the 2009 world road title and the historic 2011 Tour de France win. It’s going to take some time for another Australia to even come close to what Cadel has achieved during his career.
Honourable Mention: Simon Gerrans
1. Car Racing – Peter Brock
Holdens all over the country are adorned with stickers that pay tribute to the man’s great racing legacy. Brocky won a bevy of races and championships during his great career with some of his most notable achievements being: Bathurst 1000 endurance race x 9, the Sandown 500 touring car race x 9, the Australian Touring Car Championship x 3 and the Bathurst 24 Hour x 1. Needless to say, he was taken far too soon… but one thing’s for sure, he’ll never be forgotten.
Honourable Mention: Jack Brabham
