Sport is deeply ingrained in the Australian culture, there have been countless great moments over the years that have shaped the nation's history, from gold medals to courageous moments, to defining the odds they have all become enriched in Australian history
Below we have come up with a list of the top 10 most memorable sporting moments in Australian history.
- Cathy Freeman Gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympicsย
The greatest moment in sporting history was at the 2000 Olympics when Cathy Freeman won gold in the 400m.
This was arguably the greatest moment in Australian sporting history as Freeman became the first Australian Aboriginal to win an individual Olympic gold medal on home soil at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
2. Australia II wins the 1983 America's Cup
Australia winning the 1983 America Cup was a huge moment in history as they broke the longest winning streak in professional sports history. For 132 years, the America's Cup was America's event, they won 25 consecutive titles.
But on September 26th 1983 this streak was broken when a group of men from Fremantle sailed 'Australia II' to victory.
Australia defeated the New York Yacht Club making it a famous victory that was celebrated worldwide. Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke at the moment said "Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum," a now-famous remark from that event.
3. Australia qualifies for the 2006 FIFA World Cup
A moment enriched in sporting history was the Australian Socceroos qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup on November 16, 2005.
This moment was historical as it changed football in Australia winning the qualifier over Uruguay. It would mark Australia's first World Cup appearance in over 32 years.
The winning penalty by John Aloisi will be remembered by all Australians watching.
4. Buddy Franklin kicks his 1000th goal
One of the greatest moments in modern-day football and likely will never be seen again was when Buddy Franklin kicked his 1000th AFL goal.
On March 25 2022, against Geelong at the SCG in the final quarter, Franklin embedded himself not only into AFL history but Australian sport by making him the sixth VFL/AFL player to reach the milestone.
The moment became more historic when the crowd stormed onto the ground, jumping barriers, and surrounding Franklin to celebrate what they were witnessing.
Likely, no player will ever reach 1000 goals again due to how the game changes which makes this achievement by Franklin even more spectacular.
5. Shane Warne's 'Ball of the Century'
In 1993, Shane Warne changed the game of cricket when he balled the ball of the century. Warne's first-ever Ashes appearance, he bowled his first ball, he curved it out of his hand not only surprising batman Mike Gatting he also took his stumps.
This marked a moment in Australia's history and cricket, changing the game of cricket for spinners and will go down as the ball of the century.
6. The Matildas make history at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Matilda's in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup on home soil marked a historic moment in Australian sport changing the path for Women's football.
The penalty shootout against France, which sent Australia to the semi-finals, marked a historic moment in Australian sports, as it was the furthest any Australian team, male or female, had ever advanced in a World Cup.
Most Australians were glued to their televisions, and phones, or gathered at pubs and public sites across the countryโwhile a fortunate few had tickets to witness history in person.
Courtney Vine's kick sending the ball into the net during the longest penalty shootout in Women's World Cup history, created an unforgettable moment, with Australia winning 7-6.
7. Steven Bradbury's Olympic Win
In 2002 at the Winter Olympics, Australian Steven Bradbury won an unexpected gold medal in the men's short-track 1000 metres at Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Bradbury was the first athlete from Australia and also the Southern Hemisphere to win a Winter Olympic gold medal.
Bradbury won the first and only gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics. How he won this medal was iconic and unforgettable.
Bradbury was coming dead last in the event and avoided the front group to minimise crashing, the pack with 10m to skate collided and fell over and Bradbury skated to victory.
Making a memorable moment in Australian sports and winter sports history.
8. Cadel Evans wins 2011 Tour de France
In 2011, Australian Cadel Evans became the oldest rider since World War to win the Tour de France. The 34-year-old did not lead the race until the penultimate stage.
Former Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott said Evans was "Australia's toughest sportsman".
9. Peter Norman on the podium at the 1968 Olympic Games
A memorable and powerful moment in Australia's sporting history was at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City when Australian sprinter Peter Norman took a stand against racism.
After winning a silver medal in the 200m, on the podium Norman wore a human rights badge on his jacket, joining in the stance against racism, protesting for human rights with African American race winner Tommie Smith and bronze medalist John Carlos.
This silent protest cost Norman his career as he did not get selected for the 1972 Olympics despite qualifying. In 2012 Australia issued anย official apology to Norman, saying sorry for "the treatment he received upon his return to Australia, and the failure to fully recognise his inspirational role.
This was an iconic moment and the impact of this stance, Norman using his Olympic Silver medal to send a message to the world.
10. Australian Ashes Victory in England 1989
The 10th most memorable sporting moment was in 1989 when Australia won the Ashes series 4-0, their first time since 1982-83 and first time in England since 1975.
This was such a big win as they were labelled as "the worst team ever to leave Australia" when they embarked on the Ashes tour. Then they came home with a whitewash, changing Australian cricket.
