2026 Hall of Champions Inductees

NSW Hall of Champions announces five new inductees

Five of NSW’s and Australia’s finest ever athletes will be inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions at the prestigious NSW Champions of Sport ceremony at The Star Event Centre on Monday, November 23.

Joining an illustrious alumnus of over 400 sports greats from 61 sports are Stephen Davies (Hockey), Jennifer Luff (Rowing), Rick McCosker OAM (Cricket), David Pescud OAM (Sailing) and Kathleen Shannon-Bazzano (Cycling).

Stephen Davies represented Australia 274 times and scored 151 goals, the fifth highest scorer to date. He played in three consecutive Summer Olympic Games and earned a silver and two bronze medals. Davies helped win gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur and was inducted into the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame in 2016.

Jennifer Luff won 16 national titles across nine years in two different boat classes - sculling and sweep-oar rowing. She represented Australia five times at the World Championships and was placed eighth in the Women’s Double Scull at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Luff switched to the Women’s Eight at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games where they finished fifth.

Rick McCosker OAM was a consistent opening batter, notching 27 centuries and 43 half-centuries in 127 domestic first class matches. He played in 25 Test matches for Australia and played in the inaugural men’s Cricket World Cup in 1975. McCosker was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1976. For his service to cricket, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1984.

David Pescud OAM founded the Making Waves Foundation (formerly sailors with disAbilities) and skippered the first boat crewed by people with disabilities in the 1994 Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Pescud and his crews have twice won their division in that race and set two World Sailing speed records. In 2023, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to people with disability.

Kathleen Shannon-Bazzano was National Road Champion a record-equalling four times. She earned bronze for Australia in the Road Race at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland and competed in both the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2010, Shannon-Bazzano has participated in many fundraising activities. She was inducted into the AusCycling Hall of Fame in 2020.

NSW Sport Hall of Champions Committee Chair, Alan Whelpton AO, congratulated the five inductees adding their distinguished careers earned them worthy selection.

“The five inductees are very worthy additions to the Hall of Champions. Each are recognised for their outstanding sports careers which saw them represent their country, state, sport, and themselves with distinction,” said Mr Whelpton. 

“Their contribution to sport goes beyond the field of play. Through their unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment, they have shown the next generation of athletes the pathway to unleashing their potential and enjoy success at the highest levels,” added Mr Whelpton.

Sport NSW Chief Executive, Ellie Laing-Southwood paid tribute to the new inductees.

“Stephen, Jennifer, Rick, David and Kathleen exemplify the hallmarks of being a sports champion and we are thrilled to see them join an illustrious cohort of outstanding athletes. They have served their sport and the wider sports community with honour and distinction,” said Ms Laing-Southwood.

Hall of Champion inductees are approved by the Minister for Sport following recommendations from the Hall of Champions Selection Committee and NSW peak sporting bodies. 

The NSW Hall of Champions https://www.quaycentre.com.au/NSW-Hall-of-Championsis located at the Quaycentre, Sydney Olympic Park.

Tickets to the NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony are now available and can be purchased HERE.

Further information: Greg Campbell, PRISM Strategic Communications, Ph: 0418 239 139