Cathy Freeman and Sporting Pioneers Recognised in 2026 Australia Day Honours

Olympic icon Cathy Freeman AC headlines a prestigious cohort of athletes, coaches, and administrators recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.

The announcement, released on 26 January 2026, sees Freeman appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), the nation’s highest civilian honour, for her eminent service to athletics and her transformative impact on the reconciliation movement and Australian youth.

The organisation of this year’s list reflects an emphasis on the “human factor” and long-term service across the Australian sporting landscape.

From the professionalisation of sports governance to the “quiet leaders” of grassroots clubs, the recipients represent the diverse pillars that support the nation’s sporting success.

Notable elevations include Gerard Ryan OAM, who was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to sports governance and philanthropic contributions.

Commenting on Freeman’s appointment, Australian Athletics CEO, Simon Hollingsworth, said: “Catherine Freeman is a true legend of our sport and her impact on athletics in Australia is immeasurable.”

“Her legacy as an athlete and person continues to inspire the next generation, especially as we head towards the Brisbane 2032 Games,” Hollingsworth said.

Leaders Inside and Outside the Field

The 2026 list highlights an investment in the intellectual capital of Australian sport.

John “Knuckles” Connolly was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his legendary service as a Wallabies coach and mentor.

Similarly, former Matildas and Central Coast Mariners coach Alen Stajcic, received an AM for his service to football, alongside squash champion Rachael Grinham AM and tennis veteran Cedric Mason AM.

Governor-General, Sam Mostyn AC, noted that the recipients epitomise the best of Australian values.

“As the list so vividly showcases, so many Australians continue to give the best of themselves across many endeavours, in the interest of others,” Mostlyn said.

The honours also recognised the commercial and technical side of the industry, with motor racing legend Jim Richards receiving an Honorary AM for his significant service to motor sports as both a driver and team owner.

2026 Australia Day Honours: Sporting Recipients

Companion (AC) & Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia

• Ms Catherine Freeman AC: For eminent service to athletics and the reconciliation movement.
• Mr Gerard Ryan AO (OAM): For distinguished service to sports governance and philanthropy.
• Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
• Mr Alen Stajcic: For service to football (soccer) as a coach.
• Mr John Connolly: For significant service to rugby union as a coach and mentor.
• Mr James Charles Richards (Honorary): For significant service to motor sports.
• Ms Rachael Grinham: For significant service to squash as an athlete and administrator.
• Mr Cedric Mason: For significant service to tennis as a player, coach, and administrator.
• Ms Kelly Wren: For significant service to tennis and basketball for athletes with disabilities.
• Mr Geoffrey Davidson: For significant service to sailing as a competitor and administrator.
• Mr John Womersley OAM: For service to archery as an officiator and administrator.
• Mr Peter Papps: For service to the sport of shooting.
• Mr Ross Taylor: For service to surf lifesaving and the Illawarra community.
• Mr Nigel Taylor ESM: For service to lifesaving in Victoria.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

• Mrs Dorothy Anne Gordon: For service to cricket as player, selector, and administrator.
• Mr Albert Armstrong: For service to squash.
• Mr Gavin Foenander: For service to cricket.
• Mr John Forrest RFD: For service to cricket.
• Mr William Hahn: For service to netball.
• Mrs Ruth Havrlant: For service to netball.
• Mrs Lorraine Woodman: For service to cricket and the community.
• Mr George McDonald: For service to badminton.
• Mr Frank Shadforth: For service to Indigenous youth through sport.
• Mr Paul Crake: For service to people with disability (sports-related).
• Nedd Brockmann: (Young Australian of the Year) For service to the community through endurance running.

Australia Day 2026 Honour List Full List

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