Olympic champion Catherine Freeman AC headlines a strong cohort of athletes, coaches, administrators and volunteers recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List for their contribution to Australian sport.
Released on 26 January 2026, the honours see Freeman appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) — the nation’s highest civilian honour — for her eminent service to athletics and her long-standing impact on reconciliation, youth engagement and community leadership through sport.
This year’s list places a clear emphasis on long-term service and leadership, recognising contributions across elite sport, governance, coaching, officiating and grassroots participation. Collectively, recipients reflect the breadth of roles that underpin a strong, inclusive and sustainable Australian sporting system.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC noted that recipients across the honours list exemplify service and commitment in the interest of others, values central to Australian sport.
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).
Young Australian of the Year
Nedd Brockmann: For service to the community through endurance running.
Recognising Service Across the Sporting System
The Confederation of Australian Sport congratulates all sport-related honourees recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List. Their collective service reflects the importance of leadership, integrity and long-term commitment in strengthening Australia’s sporting system — from grassroots participation to elite performance.
Australia Day 2026 Honour List Full List