After four decades of celebrating Western Australia’s sporting greats, the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) has entrusted SportWest with custodianship of the WA Sporting Hall of Champions.
First established in 1985, the Hall of Champions has honoured some of the state’s most iconic athletes, including inaugural inductees Graham “Polly” Farmer (Australian Rules Football), Shirley de la Hunty (née Strickland – Athletics), and Dennis Lillee (Cricket). Since then, the Hall has grown to recognise both individuals and teams whose achievements have left a lasting mark on WA sport, with the 1992 West Coast Eagles premiership side among the most recent inductees in 2024.
SportWest CEO Troy Kirkham said taking on the Hall of Champions was a privilege and a responsibility.
“The Hall of Champions is one of the most prestigious acknowledgements in WA sport. To be entrusted with its custodianship is an honour, and we are committed to ensuring its legacy continues to inspire future generations,” Mr Kirkham said.
2025 Inductees
This year, two outstanding athletes have been inducted into the Hall of Champions. Rohanee Cox, born in Broome, made history as the first Indigenous Australian to represent her country in basketball at the Olympic Games. A dynamic small forward and shooting guard, she won the Maher Medal in 2007, played a pivotal role in the Opals’ silver medal campaign at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and was crowned WNBL MVP in 2009. Shirley Tonkin (née Haines) was a standout midfielder and strike forward during WA’s golden era of women’s hockey in the 1960s and 70s. Representing WA in six victorious State teams, she also shone on the international stage in Philadelphia, playing 13 matches for Australia, and was inducted into the WA Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.
Elevation to Legend Status
Two icons of WA sport have also been elevated to Legend status. Ryan Bayley OAM, Perth-born track cycling superstar, remains the only Australian to win two individual cycling events at a single Olympic Games, claiming double gold in sprint and keirin at Athens 2004. His career included seven gold medals across Olympic, Commonwealth Games and World Championships, and his explosive finishing power defined an era of Australian cycling. Bill Walker, a Swan Districts rover, played 304 games and kicked 460 goals between 1961 and 1976. He was central to three consecutive premierships in the early 1960s, won four Sandover Medals, earned All-Australian honours, and was recognised with the Order of Australia for his contribution to football.
Herb Elliott Medal Recipients
The Herb Elliott Medal, awarded annually to recognise inspirational sporting performances by Western Australians, has been presented to two outstanding athletes in 2025. Patrick Cripps has been honoured for his leadership and brilliance in Australian football, while Minjee Lee has been recognised for her composure and success on the global golfing stage.
The 2025 announcements reaffirm the Hall’s enduring mission: to honour the past while inspiring the future of WA sport. With SportWest now entrusted as custodian, the Hall of Champions continues to celebrate the achievements of athletes whose legacies inspire generations.
