A new survey has revealed that three women—Cathy Freeman, Ash Barty, and Sam Kerr—are currently the most admired sports figures in Australia. The findings suggest that these athletes have transcended traditional sporting boundaries, earning widespread public respect through their international achievements and personal influence.

Notably, the report highlights that none of these women compete in Australia’s most commercially dominant professional sports leagues, nor have they held the title of the country's highest-paid athlete. Instead, their popularity is attributed to a combination of athletic excellence and personal magnetism. The poll indicates that their influence is consistent across various demographics, suggesting a broad appeal that bridges the traditional "sporting schism" often found in Australian culture. While the report focuses on their status as the top three, it emphasizes that their success is rooted in global performances that have left a lasting impact on the Australian public.