Australia is home to some of the world’s best skaters, with many of its athletes making a name for themselves in the sport both nationally and internationally. From vert skaters to street skaters, Australia has some truly impressive talent in the world of skateboarding.
From world champions to X Games gold medalists, these skaters have made their mark in the world of skateboarding and are some of the most respected and beloved skaters in the world. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best skaters Australia has to offer.
1. Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya
Ekaterina Dmitriyevna Alexandrovskaya was a talented Russian-Australian pair skater. She achieved impressive success throughout her skating career, with her partner, Harley Windsor.
In 2017, they were the champions at the CS Tallinn Trophy and earned the bronze medal at the CS Nebelhorn Trophy. The following year they placed third at the CS U.S. Classic and were crowned two-time Australian national champions.
Throughout their time skating together, Alexandrovskaya and Windsor performed mesmerizing routines that demonstrated their excellent technique and artistry. Their commitment to the sport made them a formidable force in the skating world, and their results speak for themselves.
They were an inspiration to aspiring skaters everywhere, and a reminder of the potential of hard work and dedication. Although their time together was short, the impact that Alexandrovskaya and Windsor made on the sport will remain for years to come.
2. Shane Yost
Shane Yost is a renowned retired Australian professional rollerblader. He was the 2000 ASA number one ranked vert skater in the world. This achievement alone speaks volumes about Yost’s incredible talent and skill.
Yost revolutionized the world of inline skating and was the first ever roller blader to land a switch 1080 and the first skater to land a frontside 1260.
His accomplishments in the field of inline skating are unparalleled. Yost was also known for his clean style and incredible flair. His remarkable talent and skill was unparalleled and he was an inspiration to many aspiring roller bladers.
Yost is a true innovator and pioneer in the world of inline skating and his legacy will live on for many years to come. His accomplishments and contributions to the sport are truly remarkable and will forever be remembered.
3. Danny Kah
Danny Kah is an impressive figure in the world of ice speed skating. He represented Australia in three consecutive Winter Olympics, starting with the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, Canada.
During that time, Kah was a determined and successful athlete, setting the national records in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter events. He was able to put his natural talent and hard work to good use, achieving impressive results and setting records that still stand today.
Kah retired from speedskating in 1994, but his legacy lives on in the record books. He was able to reach great heights in the sport due to his dedication and drive, and his accomplishments serve as an inspiration to athletes of all kinds.
His story is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance, and a reminder that anything is possible if one puts in the effort.
4. Kieran Woolley
Kieran Woolley is an Australian skateboarder who is renowned for his impressive technical skills and unique style.
He has gained recognition for his accomplishments in the skateboarding world and is respected by many in the industry. Growing up, Woolley was exposed to motorbike riding, surfing and skateboarding on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
This gave him an opportunity to develop his skills in multiple disciplines and help to shape his individual approach to skateboarding. He was able to hone his technical abilities to an impressive level, and his style became one that was creative and innovative.
His passion for skateboarding has enabled him to become successful in the industry, and he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible on the board.
Woolley’s technical riding and unique style make him a standout skater and a great role model for aspiring skateboarders.
5. Colin Coates
Colin Victor Coates, OAM is an incredible athlete and an inspiration to many.
He is a former ice speed skater who represented Australia in a record-breaking six consecutive Winter Olympics, starting in 1968 in Grenoble, France. Colin Coates began his athletic career at a young age, taking an interest in speed skating.
He dedicated his life to the sport and worked hard to perfect his technique and push himself to the best of his abilities.
He had the drive and determination to become a successful athlete and was rewarded with the opportunity to represent his country in the Winter Olympics. Colin Coates competed in six consecutive Winter Olympics, beginning with the 1968 Olympics in Grenoble, France.
This is an impressive feat, as it requires a great deal of dedication and hard work to be able to compete at such a high level for such a long period of time. Colin Coates’ commitment to the sport of ice speed skating was acknowledged with the awarding of the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1988.
This prestigious award is given to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the community or the nation.
Colin Coates’ commitment to excellence in the sport of ice speed skating was certainly deserving of such an honour. Colin Coates is an inspiration to many and a great example of perseverance and dedication.
He is a true reminder of what dedication and hard work can accomplish and a testament to the power of never giving up.
6. Steven Bradbury
Steven John Bradbury OAM is an Australian athlete who made his mark on the international stage as a short track speed skater. He competed in four Olympic Games and won a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
This remarkable victory came about in an unexpected way; after all of his opponents were involved in a last-corner pile-up. Bradbury’s Olympic career began at the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics in France.
Although he did not win a medal at that time, he went on to compete in three more Olympic Games, including the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics in Japan, the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in the United States, and the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics in Italy.
At the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, Bradbury found himself in the 1,000 m event. Ahead of him were several highly-skilled competitors who had all begun the race with high hopes of winning.
However, in the final corner of the race, all of his opponents were involved in a pile-up. This allowed Bradbury to skate across the finish line and win the gold medal in a stunning turn of events.
His victory made him the first Australian to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. Steven John Bradbury OAM is an inspirational figure and a reminder that hard work and determination can pay off.
His remarkable story of perseverance and success has served as an inspiration to athletes from all over the world.
7. Vicki Holland
Vicki Maree Holland or Nelson is a former competitive figure skater from Australia. She has achieved great success in her career, having won the Australian National Championships four times.
Her hard work and dedication have enabled her to compete at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, a feat that not many skaters are able to achieve. Her performances at the Olympics were very impressive and she was able to make a name for herself as a talented skater.
She has since retired from competitive figure skating and is now an ambassador for the sport, encouraging new skaters to follow their dreams and achieve success.
Vicki Maree Nelson is an inspiration to aspiring figure skaters around the world and her success story is a testament to the dedication and hard work that is required for success in the sport.
8. William Schober
William “Billy” Schober is a former competitive figure skater from Australia. He won six Australian national championships, representing Victoria.
He was successful enough to compete in five World Championships and also to qualify for the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. At the Olympics, he placed 20th in the compulsory figures, but he had to withdraw from the event.
Billy Schober is a successful figure skater who has achieved international recognition for his impressive skills. He has won six national championships, showcasing his talents on the ice.
He has also competed in five World Championships and the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. His performance at the Olympics was noteworthy, as he placed twentieth in the compulsory figures, showing his commitment to the sport.
Unfortunately, he had to withdraw from the event before the end of the competition. Despite his withdrawal from the 1976 Winter Olympics, Schober’s accomplishments still stand as an example of his dedication and talent.
His six national championships are evidence of the hard work and dedication he has put into perfecting his skills. His fifth-place finish in the World Championships proves his ability to compete with the best skaters in the world.
As a former competitive figure skater, William “Billy” Schober is an inspiration for all up-and-coming skaters.
His achievements in the sport, from his six Australian national championships to his twentieth place finish in the compulsory figures at the 1976 Winter Olympics, show that he was a dedicated and talented skater.
He is a reminder of the heights that can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
9. Aileen Shaw
Aileen Shaw or Nash is a renowned Australian figure skater who has achieved great success throughout her career. She has won five Australian national titles from 1958–59 to 1961–62 and 1963–64.
At the age of 14 years and 9 months, she was an incredible talent and was given the opportunity to compete at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California.
This was a huge achievement for the young skater, and it showed that she had the talent and potential to become one of the best in the world. Nash’s impressive competitive record has earned her a place in the history books, and she remains an inspiration to young figure skaters all over the world.
Her success is proof that hard work and dedication can lead to great results, regardless of age or experience. She is a true role model for aspiring figure skaters, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
10. Tracy Brook
Tracy-Lee Brook is a former competitive figure skater from Australia.
She has had an impressive figure skating career, having won three Australian national championships and representing her country at the 1988 Winter Olympics. At the 1988 Winter Olympics, Brook competed in the ladies’ singles event.
She skated her way to the free skate, finishing in 22nd place overall. Despite not earning a medal, she was still proud to have been part of the event and to represent her country. Throughout her career, Brook was a three-time Australian national champion.
She won her first title in 1987, followed by her second in 1988. She then went on to win her third title in 1989.
During her time as a competitive skater, Brook also competed in several international events, including the 1988 Nebelhorn Trophy in Oberstdorf, Germany. Brook’s achievements as a competitive figure skater have been an inspiration to many.
She has shown that hard work and dedication can take you far, regardless of where you come from. Her accomplishments are a reminder of the dedication and determination it takes to become a successful athlete.
11. Bill Cherrell
Bill Cherrell is an accomplished Australian figure skater. He was born in 1941 and has been skating since he was young. He has been a part of the Australian National Figure Skating Championships since 1958.
He was the first Australian to be selected to compete in the men’s singles event at the 1960 Winter Olympics. This was a monumental event for Australian figure skating, as it was the first time an Australian had been selected to compete in such a prestigious event.
As a result, Bill Cherrell became a household name in Australia and was celebrated for his hard work and dedication. He placed 15th in the men’s singles event at the Olympics and was praised for his performance.
He has since retired from figure skating, but his legacy lives on in Australia. He is remembered as a pioneer of the sport, and his accomplishments are celebrated to this day.
12. Kailani Craine
Kailani Craine is an Australian former figure skater who achieved great success in her sport. She is the 2017 CS Nebelhorn Trophy champion, having won the highest honors at the competition.
In addition to this, Craine is a 2016 CS Warsaw Cup silver medalist, having placed second in the event. Her performance did not go unnoticed, as she was also awarded the 2015 Toruń Cup silver medal.
Craine is also a six-time Australian national champion, having taken home the title on six separate occasions. This impressive list of accomplishments demonstrates her commitment and dedication to figure skating.
13. Anthony Liu
Anthony Liu is a highly accomplished figure skater from China who has made his mark in the sport in Australia. With seven Australian national championships under his belt, he is one of the most successful figure skaters in the country.
His achievements have earned him the honor of representing Australia in two Winter Olympics. In the 1998 Winter Olympics, Anthony placed 25th overall and in the 2002 Winter Olympics, he achieved an even better result by placing 10th.
His impressive performance at the 2002 Olympics cemented his place as one of Australia’s top figure skaters. Anthony has been an inspiration to many young skaters in Australia, showing them that it is possible to achieve greatness in the sport.
He has become a symbol of excellence in figure skating, and his legacy will remain for years to come.
14. Daniel Greig
Daniel Greig is an accomplished Australian speed skater. He was selected to represent Australia at the 2014 Winter Olympics in the men’s 500m, 1000m and 1500m events.
Greig’s impressive athletic prowess was further proven when he won a bronze medal at the 2014 World Sprint Speed Skating Championships. His participation at the Olympics and the World Championships demonstrates his commitment to excellence and dedication to the sport.
Greig is a shining example of what can be achieved when you put in the work and show dedication. His victories and medals are a testament to his hard work and determination.
15. Stephen Carr
Stephen Carr is a well-known figure in the world of figure skating. He is a former pair skater from Australia and was very successful in his sport. He and his sister, Danielle, have won nineteen Australian national championships.
They have also competed in three Winter Olympics, the 1992, 1994, and 1998. At the 1992 Winter Olympics, Stephen and Danielle placed 13th, while at the 1994 Winter Olympics, they placed 11th. They also placed 13th in the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Stephen and Danielle have proven to be a formidable pair, and have achieved great success in the sport.
16. Stephanie Zhang
Stephanie Zhang is an impressive Chinese-Australian figure skater. She is a two-time Australian national senior champion, having won the championship twice in her figure skating career.
Additionally, she has won the national junior championship a total of six times, making her a formidable figure skater.
Her accomplishments speak for themselves and she is a great example of what dedication and hard work can do. Stephanie Zhang has the drive and determination to succeed and it is reflected in her results.
She puts in countless hours of practice and training to perfect her technique and stay at the top of her game. Her commitment to the sport is remarkable and her accomplishments have been celebrated by the figure skating community.
She is held in high esteem and is a role model for aspiring figure skaters. Stephanie Zhang is an inspiration to all figure skaters. Her dedication to the sport and her hard work is an example to follow.
Her success in the sport serves as motivation for aspiring figure skaters and her story is one of determination, hard work, and dedication. She is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication and a reminder of what is possible when you put your mind to it.
17. Danielle O’Brien
Danielle O’Brien is a renowned former competitive ice dancer from Australia. She achieved great success throughout her career, having won a total of six senior national championships with her partner, Gregory Merriman, and three junior national championships.
Her partnership with Merriman started in 1994, and they quickly established themselves as one of the top ice dancing duos in Australia. They worked hard to perfect their craft and soon found themselves on the podium, winning their first senior national championship in 2000.
From 2000 to 2008, O’Brien and Merriman won five more senior national championships, giving them a total of six. In addition to the senior championships, they also won three junior national championships during their time together.
Their success in the junior division showed that they had the potential to be great competitors in the senior division and ultimately, they achieved their goal. O’Brien and Merriman were a formidable duo on the ice and their impressive record speaks for itself.
Their hard work and dedication to the sport paid off, as they established themselves as one of the top ice dancing duos in Australia.
18. Gregory Merriman
Gregory Merriman, commonly known as Greg, is a former competitive ice dancer from Australia.
He achieved great success in his competitive career, having won a total of six Australian senior national championships and three junior national championships, all with his long-time partner Danielle O’Brien.
Greg’s achievements have earned him recognition among the ice dancing community, as well as his country. He is well-known as a talented and dedicated athlete who worked hard to reach the pinnacle of his sport.
Greg and Danielle’s partnership was a successful one, as evidenced by their numerous national titles. The two worked together for many years, developing a strong bond and a great understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
This enabled them to achieve great success on the ice. Greg’s commitment to excellence and his dedication to his sport have made him an inspiration to aspiring ice dancers around the world.
He is a true role model and his achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication that it takes to reach the top.
19. Cheltzie Lee
Cheltzie Lee is an accomplished former competitive figure skater from Australia. She was crowned the 2010 Australian National Champion and went on to represent her country at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Her impressive career also saw her compete in seven ISU Championships, with her best finish coming at the 2011 Four Continents, where she placed tenth. Her impressive accomplishments show that she was a highly skilled skater, able to compete with the best in the world.
She has certainly left her mark on the figure skating world and will be remembered for her excellence and dedication to the sport.
20. Cameron Medhurst
Cameron Bradley Medhurst is an accomplished figure skater from Australia. He was an eight-time Australian national champion and represented his country in three consecutive Winter Olympic Games.
At the 1984 Olympics, he placed 19th overall; four years later, he achieved the same result. Finally, at the 1992 Winter Olympics, Medhurst improved his ranking and placed 16th.
Throughout his career, Medhurst achieved remarkable success, becoming one of Australia’s most decorated figure skaters. He was highly regarded in the figure skating community and was a source of pride for his home country.
Medhurst’s impressive career highlights the potential of Australians to excel in winter sports, despite the climate of their home nation.
21. Joanne Carter
Joanne Carter is a renowned figure skater from Australia who has a long and esteemed career in the sport.
She has achieved many accolades throughout her career, including becoming the 1998 Piruetten champion, the 1996 Golden Spin of Zagreb silver medalist, and the 2004 Karl Schäfer Memorial bronze medalist.
She also achieved great success in her home country, winning seven Australian national championships. These successes have made her one of the most successful figure skaters in Australia, and she is widely respected for her accomplishments.
22. Nancy Burley
Nancy Burley was an accomplished figure skater who achieved a great deal in her career. She was the first female single skater to represent Australia at the Olympic Games when she competed at the 1952 Winter Olympics.
She placed 14th overall at the event, showing her immense skill and talent. Gweneth Molony was also part of this historic moment for Australian figure skating as she was the other female single skater to represent Australia at the Olympics.
The two of them paved the way for other Australians to compete at the highest level of the sport, and their participation made history. Burley was an inspiration for many figure skaters to come, and she was also a role model for young women.
Her achievement of being the first female to represent Australia at the Olympics in the single skater event was a great accomplishment. She showed that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Her determination and courage are something to be admired, and her success will continue to inspire future generations.
23. Adrian Swan
Adrian David Swan was a prominent figure skater from Australia. He competed in the 1952 Winter Olympics, where he finished in 10th place in the men’s singles event.
This achievement made him the first ever Australian to represent the country in the men’s singles category at the Olympics. In 1951, Swan also had the opportunity to compete at the British Figure Skating Championships.
This was a significant accomplishment for the young skater and demonstrated his impressive skating ability.
Swan’s performances both in the Olympics and the British Figure Skating Championships were highly commendable and placed him among some of the greatest figure skaters of the sport.
24. Colin Hickey
Colin Edward Hickey was an Australian speed skater who made history in the sport. He participated in three Winter Olympics games, namely the 1952, 1956 and 1960 editions.
His greatest achievement was during the 1956 Winter Olympics, where he placed seventh, the best result for Australia in a Winter Olympics until 1976. Hickey was born in Fairfield, Victoria in the early 1930s.
He was a part of the Australian speed skating team in the 1950s, and his talent and dedication to the sport earned him a place in the 1952, 1956 and 1960 Winter Olympics.
Despite the limited resources available to him, Hickey managed to secure a seventh-place finish in the 1956 Winter Olympics, a record that held until 1976.
Hickey’s impressive performance at the 1956 Winter Olympics was a great source of pride for the Australian speed skating team. His success was an example of what could be achieved with hard work and dedication.
His legacy is still remembered today, and his seventh place finish remains as a testament to his skill and determination.
25. Sharon Burley
Sharon Kay Burley Sullivan is an accomplished Australian figure skater.
She is a four-time winner of the Australian Figure Skating Championships and also competed in the 1976 Winter Olympic Games, where she placed twentieth. Sullivan’s remarkable career began with her first win in the Australian Figure Skating Championships in 1973.
She went on to win the title three more times, becoming one of the most successful figure skaters in the country. She was then selected to represent Australia at the 1976 Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria.
Although she didn’t medal, Sullivan still achieved an impressive twentieth-place finish, demonstrating her exceptional athleticism and skill. Beyond the competition circuit, Sullivan has dedicated her time to teaching and coaching younger generations of figure skaters.
She has been a coach for the Australian Institute of Sport and is well-respected for her expertise and commitment to the sport. Sullivan’s incredible accomplishments have earned her a place in the Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
Sharon Kay Burley Sullivan is an inspiration to aspiring figure skaters everywhere. Her remarkable career and dedication to the sport have showcased her incredible talent and skill, making her a true leader and pioneer in the Australian figure skating community.
26. Brendan Kerry
Brendan Kerry is an Australian figure skater who has achieved many accomplishments in his career. In 2017, he won the bronze medal at the CS Ondrej Nepela Trophy and also the bronze medal at the CS Lombardia Trophy.
He continued to build on his success in 2019, becoming the champion of the Toruń Cup. He also won the Egna Spring Trophy championship in 2016 and has been crowned eight-time Australian national champion.
His impressive record of accomplishments clearly demonstrates his skill and dedication to figure skating.
27. Brooklee Han
Brooklee Han is an incredibly accomplished retired figure skater. She is a dual citizen of the United States and Australia and represented Australia in ladies’ singles. Brooklee has achieved a great deal of success in her skating career.
She is the 2018 CS Alpen Trophy bronze medalist, demonstrating her skill and athleticism. Additionally, she is the 2013 Volvo Open Cup champion, showing her ability to win at the highest levels of figure skating.
Brooklee is also a five-time Australian national silver medalist, and the 2013 Australian national champion, further displaying her prowess on the ice. Her achievements are a testament to her dedication and talent, and her legacy as an athlete will certainly live on.
28. Jake Duncombe
Jake Duncombe is an Australian professional skateboarder who has achieved great success in his career. He is sponsored by Life Extension Skateboards and was honored with SLAM magazine’s “Skater of the Year” award in 2006.
This award is a prestigious one that is given to outstanding skateboarders in Australia each year.In 2004, Jake was one of the youngest professional sportspeople in Australia. This is a remarkable accomplishment, especially for someone as young as he was at the time.
He has since gone on to have a successful career in skateboarding, becoming one of Australia’s most well-known and respected skateboarders. Jake’s accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He has consistently pushed himself to reach higher levels of success.
His determination and commitment are inspiring to those who have watched him progress over the years. Jake has also been an advocate for skateboarding in Australia, supporting the community and helping to promote the sport.
He has been featured in many skateboarding magazines and online media outlets, further adding to his presence in the skateboarding world. Overall, Jake Duncombe is an amazing skateboarder who has achieved a great deal of success in his career.
From being one of the youngest professional skateboarders in Australia in 2004 to receiving the prestigious “Skater of the Year” award from SLAM magazine, he has truly excelled in the sport.
He continues to work hard and inspire others, making him a role model in the skateboarding community.
29. Harley Windsor
Harley Windsor is a talented Australian pair skater. He has achieved remarkable success in the sport alongside his former skating partner, Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya.
The two skaters won the 2017 Junior World Championship, an impressive accomplishment that placed them among the top pair skaters of the world. Additionally, the duo won the 2017 CS Tallinn Trophy and placed third in the 2017 CS Nebelhorn Trophy.
In 2018, they achieved another third-place finish in the CS U.S. Classic. To top it off, they are two-time Australian National Champions. This impressive record of accomplishments speaks to Harley Windsor’s skill as a pair skater and his commitment to excellence.
Conclusion
Australia is home to some of the best skating players in the world. From professional competition skaters to recreational skaters, Australia has something for everyone.
Skating is an important part of Australia’s culture and history and its talented skaters have made it a sport for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, there’s something for everyone in Australia’s vibrant skating scene.
