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