by Greg Blood

2020 has seen the passing of many notable Australian athletes, coaches and administrators. Below is a list of Australians that have made a significant contribution to Australian and international sport. For a more comprehensive list visit Wikipedia’s Deaths of 2020.

The deaths of Don Talbot and Peter Bowman greatly saddened me as they played significant roles in establishing the Australian Institute of Sport and reigniting Australian sport on the international sporting stage.

Sadly winter sport Olympic athletes Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya and Alex Pullen died too young.

(SAHOF) indicates Sport Australia Hall of Fame member.

Athletics – Tony Blue, Chilla Porter,

Australian football – Jacinda Barclay, Bob Hammond, Jack Jones, John Kennedy Snr (SAHOF), Bill Stephen, Mark Naley, Shane Tuck, Terry Waters

Boxing – Hector Thompson

Canoeing – Barry Stuart

Cricket – Lorna Beal, Wendy Blundsden, Eric Freeman, Barry Jarman, Dean Jones, Graeme Watson

Diving – Barbara Donnett (nee McAuley)

Equestrian – Kevin Bacon, Neale Lavis (SAHOF)

Horse Racing – Darby McCarthy

Ice Sports – Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya, 

Motor Sport – John Harvey

Lacrosse – Brian Griffin (SAHOF)

Rowing – Stuart McKenzie (SAHOF)

Rugby League – Bobby Dimond, Don Furner, Mark Harris, Brian James, Noel Kelly, Arthur Summons

Rugby Union – John Solomon, Dick Tooth

Sailing – John Cuneo

Snow Sports – Alex Pullen

Swimming – John Davies (SAHOF), Evelyn Dill-Macky, Don Talbot (SAHOF)

Tennis – Don Candy, Ashley Cooper (SAHOF))

Weightlifting – Manny Santos

Water Polo – John O’Brien

Wrestling – John Kinsella

Sadly Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya, Jacinta Barclay and Shane Tuck were reported to take their own life. Many Australian athletes have suffered mental health during 2020.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au