Inspiring Australian Olympians Who Made Change

Australia has a rich tradition of Olympic excellence, as competitors and medal winners at each of the 29 modern Summer Olympics to date. Australia secured top-10 finishes at the last eight games, and in 2024, sent the third-highest number of athletes to the Olympics, despite their small population, before finishing fourth overall.

Even more impressively, some Australian Olympians have transcended the realm of sports to become powerful agents of change. Their efforts extend beyond the podium, addressing issues from Aboriginal rights to health and youth education.  Discover some of the Australian Olympians who used their platforms to make a significant impact on society.

Cathy Freeman: Champion for Indigenous Rights

Cathy Freeman is a name synonymous with Australian athletics. Winning gold in the 400 meters at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Freeman became a national hero and an iconic symbol of reconciliation. Her victory was not only a personal achievement but also a powerful statement on the broader social issues facing Indigenous Australians.

Freeman, who is of Kuku Yalanji heritage, used her prominence to draw attention to the struggles of Indigenous communities. During the Sydney Games, her controversial decision to carry both the Australian and Aboriginal flags during her victory lap was a poignant gesture of unity and pride. This moment was more than a celebration of athletic prowess; it was a call for recognition and respect for Indigenous Australians.

After her athletic career, Freeman continued her advocacy through the Cathy Freeman Foundation, which focuses on improving educational outcomes for Indigenous children. Her work emphasizes the importance of education and opportunity in bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Freeman’s legacy extends far beyond her Olympic achievements, demonstrating how sports can serve as a catalyst for social change.

Ian Thorpe: Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Supporter

Ian Thorpe, known as “Thorpedo,” is one of Australia’s most decorated swimmers, with five Olympic gold medals to his name after competing in both the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 games. Beyond his swimming career, Thorpe has been a vocal advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights. His openness about his struggles with depression and anxiety has played a crucial role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Thorpe’s advocacy took a personal turn when he came out as gay in a 2014 interview. In a country where LGBTQ+ rights have historically been a contentious issue, Thorpe’s public revelation was a significant step towards fostering acceptance and understanding. His courage to live authentically and speak about his experiences has contributed to a broader dialogue on LGBTQ+ inclusion and support.

In addition to his advocacy, Thorpe has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts. He established the Ian Thorpe Foundation, which focused on supporting disadvantaged youth and improving educational opportunities. Through these efforts, Thorpe demonstrates how Olympians can leverage their influence to address pressing social issues and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Nova Peris: Defender of Indigenous and Women’s Rights

Nova Peris is another Australian Olympian whose impact extends far beyond her sporting achievements. As the first Indigenous Australian woman to win an Olympic gold medal, Peris achieved first place in field hockey at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Her victory was a historic milestone and a source of pride for Indigenous Australians.

Peris’s impact on social change is evident in her work as a politician and advocate for Indigenous rights. After retiring from sports, she entered the political arena, becoming the first Indigenous Australian woman elected to the Australian Senate in 2013. In her role, Peris has championed policies aimed at improving the lives of Indigenous Australians, including better access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Peris has also campaigned for social change by starting petitions on Change.org. Her petition to ban racists for life from AFL games achieved a victory in 2023 and created a safer environment at AFL games for players and spectators. Her ongoing campaign for King Charles to apologise for acts of genocide and colonisation has garnered over 48 000 signatures. 

Sally Pearson: Advocate for Children’s Health

Sally Pearson, a renowned hurdler and gold medalist in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2012 London Olympics, is another Olympian who has used her platform for social good. Pearson’s post-athletic career has been marked by her commitment to promoting children’s health and well-being.

Pearson participated in various initiatives aimed at encouraging children to engage in physical activity and lead healthy lifestyles. Her involvement with programs such as the Sally Pearson Foundation focuses on promoting fitness and well-being among young Australians. By leveraging her success and public profile, Pearson helps to foster a culture of health and activity, countering the growing concerns of childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Betty Cuthbert: Raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis

Competing in the 1956, 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games, Betty Cuthbert is the only Olympian in history, male or female, to have won a gold medal in all sprint events: 100, 200 and 400 metres. She was nicknamed Australia’s “Golden Girl,” was named an Australian National Treasure and was inducted as a Legend in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Athletics Australia Hall of Fame. The four-time Olympic champion had a singular running style, with high knees and her mouth wide open. 

Later in life, Betty was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and became an outspoken advocate for those living with the disease. She was an important player in the creation of MS Research Australia and continued to raise awareness throughout her life. Following her death in 2019, the CEO of MS Research Australia, Dr. Matthew Miles, credited her with having an incredible impact on Australia’s recognition and understanding of MS.

Liam Adams: Fighter for Fairness

Known as the Working Man’s Runner, Olympic Marathon competitor Liam Adams works full time as an electrician. Despite only being able to train in his spare time, he’s performed exceptionally, placing second-highest out of any Australian marathon runner in over 20 years.

In 2024, Liam’s Olympic dreams were threatened when he was displaced from the top 80 qualifying runners by the allocation of 11 universality places. Universality places are designed to increase the diversity of participating nations at the Olympic Games by allocating places for nations with traditionally small delegations. While it was generally expected that these 11 places would be allocated in addition to the existing 80 qualifying runners, 10 of the qualifying athletes were displaced instead. 

Liam’s employer, Winki Solutions, started a Change.org petition on behalf of Liam and the other nine displaced runners. They asked for them to be reinstated in addition to the universality place runners, and for improved transparency about the qualification system in future games. Their petition achieved a victory with over 7000 signatures, rekindling Liam’s hopes of competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics along with those of the other competitors. Liam will represent Australia on 10 August.

The Power of Sport for Social Change

Sport has the power to unite and motivate people, affect profound societal change, and create a special spirit of cooperation and harmony. Australian Olympians have used their platform to speak out against social injustices, promote equality and human rights, and inspire positive change.

Figures like Cathy Freeman, Ian Thorpe, Nova Peris, Sally Pearson and Betty Cuthbert demonstrate the influence of sports on addressing critical social issues. Their contributions to Indigenous rights, mental health advocacy, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and health show the power of athletes to effect meaningful change. Liam Adams also showed the importance of hope and tenacity when advocating for fairness in sport. 

The legacy of Australian Olympians like these inspires future generations to make a positive impact. As Australia prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, the legacy of bravery, passion and advocacy from its athletes will be more celebrated and visible than ever.