NSW Hall of Champions

Every year, athletes who have achieved at the highest level of their sport are selected for induction. The athlete must have been retired for two years to qualify.

Since 1979, 394 sportsmen and women representing 59 sports have been added to the Honour Roll.

Sporting icons such as Sir Donald Bradman, Dawn Fraser, Shane Gould and Dally Messenger are included in this prestigious list. More recent champions include Ian Thorpe, Layne Beachley and Michael O’Loughlin. Exhibitions showcasing the museum’s significant collection help bring our sporting heritage to life.

Athletes are approved for induction by the Minister for Sport following recommendations from the Hall of Champions Selection Committee and New South Wales peak sporting bodies.

Inductees list

Congratulations to John Forbes, Heather Garriock, Mathew Helm, Brett Lee, David Palmer OAM who were inducted to the NSW Hall of Champions and Layne Beachley AO elevated to Legend status at the 2023 rebel NSW Champions of Sport Awards on Monday 20 November at Darling Harbour.

More Than Champions - Hidden Histories Revealed

This exhibition brings to light exceptional artefacts in the Hall of Champions collection on display for the first time.

Many of these objects are not linked directly to our honourees.  ‘More Than Champions’ reveals hidden histories from the archives which now have their chance to shine.

Secrets are unlocked, and stories revealed.  A table tennis set from the early 1900s, a hand written book celebrating the 1936 cricket team, a never seen before collection of athlete Jack Martin’s awards and albums and an array of colourful football pennants from the 1960s and ‘70s.

The exhibition is a reminder that the Hall of Champions covers more than our champions – it is a diverse and significant record of this country’s sporting history.