Matildas, Sally Pearson, Tyler Wright, Erin Phillips, Emily Seebohm finalists for The Don
A pair of stunning comebacks, a historic win, a maiden crown and a cross-code athlete raising the bar - these are feats which have top female athletes a nomination for The Don.
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A PAIR of stunning comebacks, a historic win, a maiden world crown and a cross-code athlete raising the bar - these are feats which have earned our top female athletes a nomination for The Don at this year’s Australia Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala.
Women dominate the lists of finalists for the prestigious award with athlete Sally Pearson joining the Matildas, surfer Tyler Wright, swimmer Emily Seebohm and basketballer turned AFL star Erin Phillips on the shortlist.
TEEN SURFER GIVES WORLD CHAMP A FRIGHT
Boxer Jeff Horn has also been nominated for his defeat of Manny Pacquiao along with Johnathan Thurston for his bravery while injured during State of Origin.
It is one of the best and most female heavily short-lists for the award in history.
Pearson made the cut after overcoming a career threatening wrist injury to win her second world 100m hurdles title while Wright overcame the adversity of a family crisis to win her first world crown of surfing.
SALLY FITZ AND THE BUSINESS OF WINNING
While the Socceroos won The Don in 2006 the Matildas have never made the cut but are in contention now after beating the US for the first time and then winning the Tournament of Nations.
Phillips earns her nomination for co-captaining Adelaide to the first AFLW premiership, winning the leagues best and fairest and the players’ association MVP while Seebohm came back from illness to retain her 200m backstroke world crown,
Women have a strong history in winning the event with hoop Michelle Payne last year’s winner after her historic Melbourne Cup win and Pearson a former two-time winner.
Of the 24 past Don winners, nine have been women.
The Don is named in honour of Australian sporting legend and first Sport Australia Hall of Fame Inductee, the late Sir Donald Bradman AC.
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