Australia is known around the world for its passionate sporting culture, and handball is no exception. From the top professional leagues to the amateur level, handball is a sport that is loved by many in Australia.
With its fast-paced and exciting play, handball is a game that takes skill and strategy to master. The best handball players in Australia are those that have been able to take the game to the next level, combining strength, speed, and agility to achieve consistent success.
This list of the best handball players in Australia includes those who have made a lasting impact on the game, and whose performance continues to inspire others.
1. Darryl McCormack
Darryl McCormack is a well known Australian handball player. He has had a long and successful career in the sport, representing his country in various international competitions.
At the 2000 Summer Olympics, he was part of the men’s handball tournament, competing against some of the best teams in the world. His participation in this tournament was a great accomplishment and allowed him to showcase his skills to a global audience.
He has since gone on to become one of the most respected players in the sport, with his success at the Olympics helping to cement his legacy.
He is an example of how hard work and dedication can pay off, and how it is possible to achieve greatness even when the odds are stacked against you.
2. Milan Slavujevic
Milan Slavujevic is a professional handball player from Australia. He has achieved a great deal in the sport, most notably competing in the men’s tournament at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
This significant accomplishment demonstrates his dedication to the sport, as well as his skill and talent. Slavujevic has also been successful in other competitions, such as the World Championships and the Mediterranean Games.
He has been a part of various clubs in Australia, such as the Sydney Stingers and the Sydney Sharks.
His impressive record has seen him become a member of the Australian Handball Federation’s Hall of Fame. Handball is a team sport that involves passing a ball to teammates and shooting it into a goal.
It is a fast-paced and exciting game, and Slavujevic’s expertise in the sport is evident.
He is a highly respected player in the handball community, and his success in the 2000 Olympics is proof of his commitment and determination. Slavujevic’s success has seen him become a role model for aspiring handball players in Australia.
He is an example of the rewards that hard work and dedication can bring, and as a result, he has inspired many young athletes to strive for greatness.
3. Sasa Sestic
Sasa Sestic is a person from two different parts of the world. He is a Bosnian-Australian, having both Bosnian and Australian heritage. He was born and raised in Canberra, the capital of the Australian Capital Territory.
Sasa is a barista, which is someone who is an expert in the art of making coffee. His skills in the art of brewing coffee earned him the title of World Barista Champion in 2015. This is a very prestigious award in the world of coffee.
Sasa has represented Australia in many other barista competitions, earning himself a reputation as one of the top baristas in the world. He continues to be an ambassador for the coffee industry in Australia, inspiring aspiring baristas to strive for excellence.
His story is an inspiring one, as he has overcome obstacles to become a world champion barista. He has also used his skills to help the community.
He has worked with various charities to help those in need, using his coffee making skills to make a difference in the world. Sasa Sestic is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference in the world.
He is an excellent example of how hard work and determination can lead to success. He has proved that anything is possible with dedication and passion.
4. Lee Schofield
Lee Schofield is a well-known Australian handball player. He began his career at a young age and has since become one of the most successful players in the sport.
Schofield has competed in numerous international tournaments and his most notable achievement was representing Australia at the 2000 Summer Olympics in the men’s tournament.
This was a major milestone for Lee, as it was the first time that an Australian handball team had ever qualified for the Olympic Games. Despite not winning any medals, Schofield’s participation was an important moment in Australian sporting history.
He was an inspirational figure for many young handball players, showing them that it was possible to compete at the highest level. After the Olympics, Schofield has continued to be an ambassador for the sport, helping to promote it nationally and internationally.
5. Bevan Calvert
Bevan Calvert is an Australian handball player who has been a professional in the sport for a number of years. He is well-known for his skill and prowess in the game, having played for several teams over his career. His most recent team is the THW Kiel, a German handball team.
Calvert was a key player for the team, helping them to several victories during his time with them. He was known for his aggressive defense and strong shooting, which made him an invaluable asset to the club.
Calvert is now retired from the game but remains an important figure in the handball community. He is highly respected and admired for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to excellence.
6. Vera Ignjatovic
Vera Ignjatovic is a medical researcher with a specialization in paediatric thrombosis and haemostasis, as well as proteomics.
Thrombosis is a medical condition where a blood clot forms inside a blood vessel, blocking the flow of blood and potentially leading to a heart attack, stroke or other serious medical problems.
Haemostasis is the process of preventing or stopping bleeding and is especially important in the medical treatment of children.
Proteomics is the study of proteins, which are the building blocks of life; they are responsible for many functions in the human body, such as transporting oxygen and helping to fight infection.
By studying paediatric thrombosis, haemostasis and proteomics, Vera Ignjatovic is helping to advance our understanding of how the body works and how medical treatments can be improved.
Her research is making a valuable contribution to the medical field and helping to improve the lives of children.
7. Marina Kopcalic
Marina Kopcalic is a talented Australian athlete who competes in the sport of handball. She is a highly decorated player who has made a name for herself on the international stage.
She had the honour of representing her country at the 2000 Summer Olympics, where she participated in the women’s tournament. During this tournament, Marina displayed her impressive skills and determination, ultimately helping her team achieve success.
Her hard work and dedication to the sport of handball has earned her the respect of her peers, and she is considered one of the top players in the world.
Her impressive performances in the Olympics have solidified her place in the history books, and she is remembered as one of the greatest players to ever compete in the games.
Marina Kopcalic is an inspiring example of dedication and perseverance, and her success is a testament to her skill and determination.
8. Jovana Milosevic
Jovana Milosevic is an internationally renowned female handball player who hails from Bosnia and Herzegovina but currently resides in Australia.
She made history by becoming the first Bosnian-born player to represent the Australia women’s national handball team at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Milosevic played in all five matches for her team, but the Australians were unfortunately defeated by Angola, finishing in tenth place.
Despite the disappointing result, Milosevic’s inclusion in the team was a remarkable achievement and a major milestone for female handball players of Bosnian heritage.
Her commitment to the game and her country will inspire future generations of female handball players to strive for excellence and reach for the stars.
9. Cristian Bajan
Cristian Bajan is an accomplished handball player from Australia. He has taken part in the international handball scene for a number of years and has achieved a great deal of success.
In 2000, he had the opportunity to showcase his skills to the world when he competed in the men’s tournament at the 2000 Summer Olympics. His performance at the tournament was impressive and he gained recognition as one of the best handball players in the world.
He has since retired from the sport, but his legacy as a great handball player still remains. He is a role model for aspiring handball players and a source of inspiration for those who wish to reach the same heights as him.
10. Jemima Harbort
Jemima Harbort is an Australian handball player who currently plays for both Queensland HC and the Australian national team.
She has had a successful career in handball and has competed in many prestigious competitions. At the 2009 World Women’s Handball Championship in China, Jemima was part of the Australian team.
Although the team ultimately lost the tournament, she still gained valuable experience and knowledge which she was able to take with her. In 2011, Jemima was part of the Australian team again at the World Women’s Handball Championship.
This time she helped the team to a much better result, as they reached the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The experience of competing against some of the top handball teams in the world was invaluable for her. Jemima has continued to play for the Australian national team since 2011 and is a key member of the squad.
She has also been part of several club teams in Australia, including Queensland HC. Overall, Jemima Harbort has been a successful handball player and she has represented Australia in several international tournaments.
Her experience and dedication to the sport have made her an asset to the Australian national team and to the Queensland HC club team.
11. Rajan Pavlovic
Rajan Pavlovic is an accomplished handball player from Australia. He is well-known for his achievements in the sport of handball and for his participation in the 2000 Summer Olympics. At the 2000 Summer Olympics, Pavlovic represented Australia in the men’s tournament.
He was one of the few Australian athletes to compete at the Games that year, and he was able to make a strong contribution to his country’s success.
Pavlovic’s performance at the Olympics was impressive, as he displayed a high level of skill and dedication in the handball tournament. Pavlovic has continued to be an active member of the Australian handball community, and he has been a major contributor to the development of the sport in the country.
He has been involved in the development of handball programs for young people, and his efforts have helped to inspire many to take up the sport.
Pavlovic is also a strong advocate for the promotion of handball in Australia, and he is an influential figure in the Australian handball community. Overall, Rajan Pavlovic is a highly respected athlete who has made a significant contribution to the sport of handball in Australia.
His participation in the 2000 Summer Olympics was a great achievement, and he continues to be an inspiration for aspiring handball players in Australia.
12. Vernon Cheung
Vernon Cheung is an accomplished Australian handball player. He has represented his country in international tournaments, the most notable being the 2000 Summer Olympics. At the 2000 Summer Olympics, he competed in the men’s tournament.
During this tournament, he displayed his skill and determination, making a lasting impression on the handball community. Cheung has been playing handball since a young age. He has an impressive record, having won several medals and awards throughout his career.
He has also been a part of many international teams, including the Australian team at the 2000 Summer Olympics. At the 2000 Olympics, Cheung was determined to make a statement. He impressed both his teammates and his opponents with his skill and dedication.
He was able to help the Australian team to a respectable finish in the tournament, despite the tough competition. Cheung is a very talented athlete and has been an inspiration to many handball players.
He has inspired many young players to follow in his footsteps and pursue handball professionally.
He has also been an advocate for the sport, promoting it and raising awareness about it. Cheung’s dedication to handball and his accomplishments at the 2000 Summer Olympics have cemented him as one of the greatest Australian handball players of all time.
He has made a lasting impression on the sport and has been an inspiration to many.
13. Shelley Ormes
Shelley Ormes is an accomplished athlete who has achieved success in the sport of handball. She is from Australia and represented her country in the 2000 Summer Olympic Games. In the women’s tournament, she put forth her best effort to try and earn a medal for her country.
Unfortunately, she was unable to do so, but she still made a lasting impression on the handball community with her strong performance.
She was an inspiration to her peers, showing them that even though they may not reach the highest level of play, they can still make a big impact. Shelley Ormes is a prime example of how hard work and dedication can still lead to success, even in the face of adversity.
14. Petra Besta
Petra Besta is an accomplished female handball player, born in the Czech Republic but representing Australia in international competitions. She was a part of the Australian Women’s National Handball Team at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
During the tournament, she played a total of five matches as part of the Australian team. Despite Petra’s best efforts, the team was not able to secure a higher finish than tenth place, losing to Angola in the final match of the tournament.
Petra’s performance at the Olympics was a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport of handball. She has since become an inspiration to aspiring female athletes around the world, as she showed that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Her story is a reminder that no matter where you come from or what obstacles you may face, you can still reach your goals and make a difference.
15. Jana Jamnicky
Jana Jamnicky is a successful athlete who has had the opportunity to represent both her native Slovakia and her adopted country of Australia. She is a female handball player who has had the honor of being part of the Australia women’s national handball team.
Jana was part of the team at the 2000 Summer Olympics, playing in five matches. Unfortunately, the Australian team was beaten by Angola, placing them in tenth place overall.
Jana’s experience in the 2000 Olympics was a huge milestone in her career, but her success doesn’t end there. She has since become a leader in the handball world, inspiring the next generation of female athletes.
She has stayed active in the handball community, attending international tournaments, coaching young players, and even giving lectures to handball teams. Her success story is an inspiration to all aspiring handball players and athletes alike.
16. Russell Garnett
Russell Garnett is an accomplished Australian handball player. He has had a successful career representing his country at international tournaments. His most notable achievement was in 2000 when he competed in the men’s handball tournament at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
This event was held in Sydney, Australia, and was the first Olympic Games to be held in the country since 1956. Garnett was part of a strong Australian team at the tournament, and they were able to reach the quarterfinals before being eliminated.
Despite this, the experience of competing at the Olympics was one that Garnett will never forget, and it cemented his place among the best Australian handball players of all time.
17. Rina Bjarnason
Rina Bjarnason is a female handball player from Denmark who made the move to Australia. She was a member of the Australian women’s national handball team and represented her country at the 2000 Summer Olympics, playing five matches.
On a club level, she competed for Monash University, the prestigious Australian university. Bjarnason is a great example of how handball is gaining popularity in Australia. Her success in the sport is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
She was one of the few handball players from Australia to make it to the Olympics and is a role model to aspiring handballers. Rina’s passion for the game is evident from her commitment to the sport.
She has paved the way for more Australian handball players to follow in her footsteps and reach the top of the game. Her story is an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, and she continues to be an ambassador for Australian handball.
18. Peter Bach
Peter Bach is an Australian handball player who competed in the men’s tournament at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He and his wife, Janni, both had a passion for handball and represented Australia in the sport.
As a couple, they passed their passion for sports down to their son, Rasmus, who grew up to be a professional basketball player. This shows that the Bach family has an affinity for sports that stretches from handball to basketball.
The love of sports has been a unifying force for the Bachs and has been passed down through multiple generations.
19. Fiona Robinson
Fiona Mary Robinson is a decorated Australian athlete who has achieved great success in both basketball and handball. She played ten seasons in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) and five seasons in the State Basketball League (SBL).
During her time in the WNBL, she was recognized for her impressive skillset as a shooting guard, earning numerous accolades such as All-Star five appearances and an All-WNBL second-team selection.
Robinson was also a member of the Australia women’s national basketball team, competing in the 1996 Summer Olympics. Her team earned a bronze medal in that competition, a testament to Robinson’s ability to perform under pressure.
She was praised for her leadership and determination in helping her team achieve success in the tournament. Robinson’s career in both basketball and handball was an impressive one, as she showed her potential as an elite athlete.
She will be remembered as an outstanding competitor who achieved success in both sports. Her hard work and dedication will continue to inspire and motivate athletes in the future.
Conclusion
The best handball players in Australia are some of the most talented athletes in the sport. They have proven their skill and ability in both domestic and international competitions, and some have achieved great success in their careers.
Their commitment and hard work have helped them to become some of the top players in the country and their dedication to the sport is something to be admired.
