Sports and outdoor activities play a major role in the lives of Australians and it is something that is encouraged from childhood. With the nation’s population of just around 20 million, Australians are able to achieve greater heights at sports because of their tremendous effort and continuous support from the government. The Australian Institute of Sports (AIS) employs various techniques by combining expert training methodology and technology in to the sporting arena. The government gives importance to sports and spends a lot in identifying and developing the sports person. This approach is reason for Australia to be one of the top performers in Olympics.
In the Summer Olympics since 2000, Australia has ranked 4th, 4th, 6th and 10th respectively. The country has won around 476 medals in Olympic Games. The Australian team won 58 medals at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Sports like Golf, Tennis, Cricket, Football, Horse racing, and Swimming are the major sports played in the country.
Australian Football League
Australian Football League is the most attended sport of the country. The sport commenced in 1897 as Victorian Football League. And, it later spread to all the states of the nation. The game originated in Australia and is unique to the country. The game involves two teams of 22 players, and at any point of time each team has 18 players on the field. A goal is scored when the football is kicked through the taller posts. If the football goes between either of the shorter outside posts, a behind is scored and 1 point is added to that team’s score. The action continues through four quarters and for about two hours.
Rugby League
Rugby League is a full contact ball sport and it is a popular sport in Australia. The sport is highly entertaining for viewers and is physically demanding for players. The National Rugby League (NRL) is mostly played in the eastern states of Australia. The NRL sporting season starts in March and ends in October.
Swimming
Swimming is very popular in Australia and Australians are members of various swimming clubs that can be found all over the country. Swimming is one of the eight founding sports of AIS. Australian swimmers won two gold medals at the 1900 Olympic Games held in Paris, which was the second Olympic games. Australia won 5 Gold, 9 Silver and 4 Bronze medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. The members of national swimming team participate in the Olympic Games, Pan Pacific Championship, Commonwealth Games & other World Titles.
Tennis
Australia has over 15,000 tennis courts, which are constructed, managed, and operated in a volunteer and committee-based environment. There are around 74,000 tennis coaches in the country, which denotes the importance given to the sport. The Australian Open international tennis tournament is conducted every year in the month of January.
Cricket
Cricket is one of the most popular sport in the country. It has been played for more than 200 years. The Australian cricket team is one of the world’s top ranking team. People play cricket as a major sport and enjoy the international tournaments. Australia has played in 6 world cup finals, and has won 4 times. The country boasts list of great cricket players like Sir Donald Bradman, Glen McGrath, the Chappell brothers, Steve Waugh, Shane Warne, Mark Waugh and so on.
Surfing
The country has some of the best spots for surfing and it is a surfer’s paradise. Places like Snapper Rocks and Noosa in Queensland, Angourie to Byron Bay and Northern beaches in New South Wales, Bells beach in Victoria are some of the famous surfing spots. The 37,000km coastal line offers excellent surfing conditions for both novice and expert.
Snorkeling and scuba diving
Australia has diverse and scenic underwater ecosystems, which can be viewed and enjoyed through snorkelling and scuba diving. The coral gardens and the colourful marine creatures are best enjoyed through snorkeling. The Ningaloo Reef, Busselton Jetty, and Thevenard Island in Western Australia, Julian Rocks Marine Reserve (Byron Bay) in New South Wales, and Ninepin Point Marine Nature Reserve in Tasmania are some of the best snorkeling spots in the country.
