DA's Australian Sports History

<p>Jack Brabham, later to be Sir Jack Brabham was Australia's first Formula One drivers champion.</p><p>He would win the title on three occasions in a long and successful career.</p><p>His greatest achievement however was not just winning the drivers title but doing so in car which he designed and built. He was the only person in the history of Formula One to have won the driver and constructors title in the same year. A feat that we can safely say, will never be repeated. </p><p>A hard competitor on the track. Reserved, dignified and humble when out of his car.</p><p>A fascinating story of a boy from Sydney with no connection to motor racing who became world champion. </p><p>Trust you enjoy the episode.</p><p>That's stumps, thank you ball boys, thank you Hawk eye ........... DA</p><p></p>

<p>The "Golden Boy" in the "Golden Era of Australian Tennis" was Lew Hoad.</p><p>Born in the same month as Ken Rosewall in a neighbouring suburb of Sydney, the two would become best friends, rivals and double partners. Together they would win all of the major singles and doubles titles as well as the Davis Cup victories.</p><p>Lew Hoad defeated Tony Trabert of the USA in the 4th rubber of the 1953 Davis Cup final in what some described as the greatest match of all time. Hoad was just nineteen years of age. </p><p>In 1956, Hoad would win the Australian Open, Roland Garros &amp; Wimbledon. He then made it through to the final of the US Open ........... where his opponent was his mate Ken Rosewall. Listen to hear the outcome.</p><p>Hoad would later turn professional. He would come up against the likes of Frank Sedgman, Pancho Gonzales and Rod Laver. Laver described Lew Hoad as the best player he played against.</p><p>The Lew Hoad story though is as much about the character and the man off the court. Charming, charismatic, a likeable rouge ........ and great company. He was also a family man with great values of loyalty and generosity.</p><p>Does Lew Hoad receive appropriate recognition for his feats ? Let me know your thoughts via "[email protected]"</p><p>For now, that's stumps. Thank you ball boys, thank you Hawk Eye. DA</p>

<p>At age 17 years at the Melbourne Olympic Games, Murray Rose competed in three swimming events. He won then all.</p><p>In 1960 at Rome, Murray repeated the gold medal performance in the 400m freestyle event.</p><p>Although having broken two world records in the lead up to the 1964 Tokyo Games, Murray Rose was not selected to swim for Australia. He attended the Games as a commentator.</p><p>In 1983, he was voted Australia's greatest ever Olympian.</p><p>Diet, personal philosophy, overseas study and a self assured nature set Murray Rose apart from others ...... quite aside from his swimming talent.</p><p>This is a brief summary of the life of Murray Rose. </p><p>Thank you for listening.</p><p>Thank you ball boys, thank you Hawk Eye.</p><p></p>

<p>The Golden girl of Australian athletics was a shy, unassuming teenager from Western Sydney.</p><p>Inspired by her teacher (a former Olympian), Betty Cuthbert discovered running. </p><p>And she had a special talent. Betty would win races at school, in inter club meetings and then nationally. So much so that at age 18 years, Betty was selected to run the 100m &amp; 200m events for Australia in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.</p><p>Betty would star in those Games. </p><p>After that there was a period of adversity. But with the support of her strong Christian faith, Betty made a comeback to race in the 1964 Olympic Games at Tokyo. This famous return to the track in the 400m event is legendary in Australian sports history.</p><p>But, Betty's biggest test in life came after she has ceased competing. Betty was diagnosed with MS. She used her profile to raise awareness of the condition and raise funds for research.</p><p>Betty Cuthbert was a super athlete and a wonderful person. She was properly declared "a National Treasure"</p><p>This is part of her story.</p><p>That's stumps. Thank you ball boys, thank you hawk eye</p>

<p>Neville Sellwood was a champion jockey in the 1950's.</p><p>He won six jockeys premierships in Sydney. </p><p>In doing, so he rode champion horses Todman &amp; Tulloch.</p><p>The focus of today's episode is his win aboard Toparoa in the 1955 Melbourne Cup defeating the champion Rising Fast. A race that he may not have won if .............</p><p>Neville Sellwood rode winners overseas including an English Derby.</p><p>Cruelly, whilst riding in France, Neville died a a result of a race fall aged 39 years. </p><p>This is a precis of some of Neville's career. Trust it may encourage you to read further of his life and of the times.</p><p>That's Stumps. Thank you ball boys, thank you Hawk Eye.</p><p></p><p>DA</p>