Cathy Freeman leads trio of women at top of list of Australia’s most admired sportspeople

Australian track star Cathy Freeman, who won gold at the Sydney Olympics, has been voted Australia’s most admired sportsperson. Photograph: Abaca Press/Alamy

There is a sporting schism in Australia, and it is crossed by only three individuals. All have shone on the global stage, their achievements radiating from recent memories.

The three women have not played Australia’s biggest professional codes, and have never been the country’s highest money-earner. Yet through their athletic prowess and personal magnetism they have won over the wider public.