The Sport Australia Hall of Fame has announced the distinguished athletes who will mentor Australia’s emerging sports stars in its 2025 Scholarship and Mentoring Program. Esteemed figures such as Susie O’Neill, Patrick Rafter, Jana Pittman, Kurt Fearnley, Steve Bradbury, and Cheryl Salisbury will lend their expertise to the selected Tier 1 Scholarship recipients.
This year’s program, supported by the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Institute of Sport, includes Olympic champions and pioneering athletes who will provide individual guidance to six promising young athletes. The program is designed to offer not only financial support but also strategic mentorship to help these young talents excel on the international stage.
Among the recipients are notable athletes from the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Diver Ellie Cole, sprinter Sebastian Sultana, and table tennis player Finn Luu are joined by swimmer Callum Simpson, who earned multiple medals in Paris. Each Tier 1 Scholarship holder will receive a $10,000 grant and personalized mentorship from a celebrated Hall of Fame member.
The 2025 mentors are:
- Susie O’Neill AM: A swimming legend with eight Olympic medals and numerous international titles.
- Patrick Rafter: A dual US Open tennis champion and former world No.1.
- Jana Pittman: A trailblazing hurdler and bobsledder with experience in both Summer and Winter Olympics.
- Kurt Fearnley AO: A three-time Paralympic gold medallist and acclaimed wheelchair racer.
- Steve Bradbury OAM: Australia’s first Winter Olympics gold medallist, known for his short-track speed skating triumphs.
- Cheryl Salisbury: A football pioneer and former Matildas captain with extensive international experience.
In addition to Tier 1 Scholarships, the program will distribute a total of $150,000 across three scholarship tiers, benefiting 32 athletes in 30 different sports. Tier 2 athletes receive $5,000, and Tier 3 athletes receive $2,500, along with sport-specific merchandise from program partners BLACKROLL and Grip Star Socks.
Sport Australia Hall of Fame Chair John Bertrand AO highlighted the significance of the program, noting the invaluable opportunity it provides for young athletes to connect with Australia’s sporting greats. Australian Sports Commission Chair Kate Jenkins AO also expressed support, commending the program’s success and the positive impact it has on aspiring athletes.
Since its inception, the Scholarship and Mentoring Program has supported 236 athletes across 56 sports, distributing over $1 million in funding and fostering enduring mentor-mentee relationships that continue to inspire and elevate Australian sports.
Courtesy: Sport Australia Hall of Fame