Sport in Australia

Introduced by English settlers, cricket quickly became an important test of Australian strength and character. The rivalry between the two nations reached a peak in the 1933–34 Bodyline series, when Australians accused the English of unsporting behaviour.

Australians were the first native English speakers to ride in the Tour de France. In the late 1920s and 30s, Sir Hubert Opperman was feted by the French for his feats of endurance. In 2011, Cadel Evans became the first Australian to win the Tour. 

The introduction of the motor car was closely followed by sporting events designed to test the new machines. The first Australian Grand Prix was held at Phillip Island, Victoria in 1928 and women were welcome to compete. By the 1950s, men dominated the scene.

The Melbourne Cup is Australia's most prestigious horseracing event and is known as the race that stops a nation. Legendary horse Phar Lap won the 1930 Melbourne Cup, and 36 other races, before his death in mysterious circumstances.

Evonne Goolagong Cawley is one of Australia's most successful female tennis players. She won seven Grand Slam tournaments and was the first Aboriginal Australian to achieve success in tennis at an international level. 

Australians have competed at every Olympic Games in the modern era, and hosted the games in Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000. Every four years our athletes carry an image of our nation onto the international stage. 

The New South Wales Rugby Football League was formed in 1907 after a split from Rugby Union following a dispute about whether players should be paid. Rugby League is one of the most popular spectator sports in New South Wales and Queensland.

The history of association football, or soccer, in Australia is closely linked to immigration. Clubs were established as early as the 1880s and participation surged with each new wave of migrants. Australia first qualified for the World Cup in 1974. 

Participation rates in netball continue to be among the highest of all sports played in Australia. Once called women’s basketball, it was renamed netball in 1975. Australia was a dominant international force under captain Liz Ellis.