Richard Hinds’ Top 100 Current Aussie Athletes
“Top 100 Sports Stars
Comparing athletes in their own sport is difficult enough, let alone comparing athletes across vastly different pursuits, playing in teams or as individuals, involved in international or domestic competition and competing against fields that vary in depth and strength.
This top 100 is based on both the athlete’s current performances with consideration given to career achievements. It also gives some weight to overall contribution to the sport, public profile and, in team sports, leadership.
The rankings reflect factors such as Australia’s current strength in sports such as sailing and the fact that the current crop of NRL stars are not merely the best in their sport, but among the best of all time.
No one will agree with the order or the names. So think of this list as the start of a debate and fill in the gaps.
Richard Hinds”
here for the visuals
First winter athlete (Chumpy) at #52.
Interesting read; Thanks for posting that Tambo.
Too many football players in there.
Where was Torah?
I agree re: footy players.
There are many athletes who should be in there - ESPECIALLY TORAH!! 
No Chumpy either?????
Yet he has the Number 4 in Darts?????
Chumpy is 52 I think I saw?
yeh devo on no torah!! She’s an Olympic gold medalist!!
also what about Russ henshaw? I know he skis but damn his good at it!
I’m glad Anna mears got a decent ranking.. (I watched a doco on her the other day and it was really amazing what she has done given some of her circumstances (breaking her neck in a race))
Torah has also;
Won gold in Superpipe at the most recent Dew Tour.
Was the first Aussie to win gold at Winter X Games ever.
Has won the World Championship.
She carried the flag at the last winter Olympics.
She won gold in 2010 with only one run after qualifying 1st while concussed.
In the last 24 hours alone she became the first woman in history to qualify for three snowboard disciplines at a Winter Olympics.
She’s been a pro athlete since the age of 14.
Doh, I must’ve overlooked him, h0z?????
Yeah, Chumpy was there.
Not questioning the skill or ability of many of those people, eg football players, cricket players, but there is a distinct lack of realistic comparison. Sally Pearson, for example, amazing athlete, but tell me what she has achieved compared to Torah?
Perhaps the winter Olympics is still seen as being not a true world event.
Superpipe or hurdles. Tell me which one is scarier? I bet Torah could do a half decent job on hurdles, and get around the course without injuring herself.
Torah isn’t tall like track and field athletes - I don’t think she could hurdle, she has trained her body for so long to snowboard not sprint and hurdle.
But athletes like her tend to do amazing and surprising things.
I would say it more comes down to her being outspoken in regards to not being suppressed by the social media ban and that she will pull out of the Olympics if there’s a security threat. The list probably has some politically motivated choices.
Yes height comes into it but don’t they say most athletes can excel in almost any sport they so desire?
They say that, but “excel” I don’t think so - just look at Michael Jordan at Baseball.
Many athletes are specialists at one task/discipline. To even compete in multiple disciplines is a big task let alone excel in them.
Only 4 people throughout history have ever won medals in both summer and olympic games.
Events like pentathlon or even ironman are incredible feats.
I mean I can apply myself and do any sport well but have only excelled in a few and only on occasion. If focused on one who knows what achievements I’d have.
Psychologically exceptional sportspeople are able, but physically not so and to then be excellent…
And if you’ve ever tried hurdles you will know it’s nothing like running. It’s very specialised and difficult! (sorry, but it was a poor choice to use as an example Tambo).
A jack of all trades cannot master one.
But I believe Tambo’s point was that exceptional athletes are exceptional people and are able to apply themselves to any physical task better than the average joe. Especially Torah.
A jack of all trades cannot master one.
You can be an excellent tennis player but never win a grand slam.
most sports people are good at sports period.
Becoming the best in the world is whole other category.
A jack of all trades cannot master one.
I dunno, I think I am giving it a fairly good nudge 
An example of my point.
Our most recent Winter Olympian has been at a representative level for swimming, diving and water polo, and an active competitor for Palm Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. Who knows if she could have been an Olympian in any of those sports. She chose Winter sports.
http://sochi2014.olympics.com.au/news/olympic-dreams-come-true-team-selection
Also Ellyse Perry who plays Cricket and Soccer for Australia (concurrently!) And sometimes misses one game over another during seasons! (i read about her in SMH Sydney Magazine last year. Very supportive and understanding coaches!)
and Jana Pitman is heading to Sochi, after being a successful summer olympian.
My point is that while not discrediting the athletes named in the Top 100, I feel that winter sport athletes were poorly represented. Is this because there is a lack of understanding about winter sports? Is it because it isn’t as glamorous or $rich as summer sports?
It’s not just here in the Top 100 list either. Vic School Sports gives awards for excellence each year…
Primary School
Athlete with a Disability, Athletics, Australian Football, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Diving, Golf, Hockey, Netball, Rugby League, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Tennis.
Secondary school
Athlete with a Disability, Athletics, Australian Football, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Diving, Golf, Hockey, Netball, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball.
winter sport is not even mentioned! One lad we know did receive an Outstanding Sporting Achievement Award
)This Award is presented to one primary student and one secondary student for their outstanding achievement in any sport.) for skiing…. because the was and still isn’t any other category for him.
(And how many schools have Diving on their curriculum??)
If I was compiling the list, I’d have Torah, Lydia Lassila in there for sure, with Dale Begg Smith, Scotty James on the possibles…