Australian women lead national sports admiration poll, with Cathy Freeman on top

A DemosAU poll of 5,361 Australians conducted from late May to mid‑June identified three women as the country's most admired sports figures. Olympic sprinter and Indigenous champion Cathy Freeman topped the list with 10 % of votes, followed closely by retired tennis star Ash Barty and Matildas captain Sam Kerr, each receiving 9 %. The survey showed women outranked men in every state except South Australia, where former Adelaide Crows captain Taylor Walker was the sole male favourite. Other notable athletes mentioned included NRL star Nathan Cleary, AFL legend Neale Daniher – honoured posthumously after his death from motor neurone disease – and rugby league icons Johnathan Thurston and Reece Walsh. The poll reflects a broader public appreciation for female athletes who have featured in national moments of unity.