When I think about the athletes I most respect, it isn’t the ones with the longest highlight reels or the most medals. It’s the ones who carry themselves with character—the kind of people who lift those around them, who strengthen a team rather than outshine it.
Here are some who come to mind:
- Ash Barty – simply for being Ash Barty. Authentic, grounded, gracious—she showed us you don’t need bravado to be brilliant.
- Pat Cummins – not only a world-class bowler, but a man who has used his platform to advocate for environmental responsibility. He reminds us that sport can inspire change far beyond the boundary rope.
- David Pocock – a force on the rugby field, but even stronger in his convictions off it. His courage in speaking up for justice and the environment makes him an athlete of rare integrity.
- Meg Lanning – appointed captain of the Australian women’s cricket team at just 21, the youngest Aussie captain ever. She carried the responsibility with maturity, vision, and calm authority.
- Jack Grealish – his creativity is contagious. The way he plays doesn’t just entertain—it sparks something in his teammates, the kind of flair that turns individuals into a unit.
- James Tedesco – a leader who leads not by bluster but by inspiration. Watching him galvanise those around him makes it clear why he wears the captain’s armband.
- Adam Goodes – for his courage in standing up to racism, even when it came at personal cost. His strength of character has left a legacy that extends far beyond AFL.
- Oscar Piastri – calm under pressure, with a level-headedness on the Formula 1 grid that belies his age. He shows that composure can be as powerful as raw speed.
These are athletes who remind me that sport at its best is about more than winning. It’s about character, courage, and the kind of leadership that makes others better.
The Afterword 
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