A huge congratulations to 7x World Champion, Surfing Australia Chair and Sport Australia Hall of Fame Member Layne Beachley, AO who has been recognised with the nation’s most prestigious sporting honour.
Beachly was elevated to Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend at an event in Sydney.
Beachley, who was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame as an Athlete Member in 2011, is said to have inspired a new generation of surfers.
Her mastery of the waves over nearly two decades, which included an unbroken streak of world championship titles between 1998 and 2003, is unparalleled in surfing.
One of the most successful and fierce competitors to ride a board on the ocean’s swells, Beachley announced her retirement in 2008, two years after her final world title.
She honed her talent as a teenager riding the waves in Manly and had both admirable strength and determination, which enabled her to excel as an adult in big wave surfing.
Renowned for her humility and down-to-earth nature, Beachley said being Elevated to sit among the Legends of Australian sport is an honour she will treasure.
“My first response was just absolute gratitude and disbelief,” she said.
“I never thought I’d be accepting that kind of accolade and recognition.”
She recalled her proudest moment being in 2018 when the WSL made the decision to award male and female surf champions equal prize money.
Sport Australia Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chair, Bruce McAvaney OAM, said: “To be elevated from Sport Australia Hall of Fame member to legend status is arguably the highest honour to be bestowed in Australian sport. Layne Beachley is a pioneer whose domination set the standard for all those to follow and has played a significant role in the promotion and popularity of the sport.”
About SAHOF:
The annual Elevation of Sport Australia Hall of Fame Members to Legend status is the most celebrated honour that can be bestowed on an Australian athlete, coach or administrator
Legend status provides the chance to honour Members who have distinguished themselves at the highest level of their sport and become a part of Australia’s rich sporting folklore.
Sport Australia Hall of Fame Members must be retired for 15 years before being considered for Elevation to Legend status.
Photo credits: Andy Morris / Surfing Australia
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