Five inducted to NSW Hall of Champions

Congratulations to Catherine Cox (Netball) , Julie Dolan AM (Football), Jana Pittman (Athletics), Melanie Roche (Softball) and Mark Skaife OAM (Motor Sport) on their induction to the NSW Hall of Champions.

These incredible athletes take their place in the hall at Quaycentre in Sydney Olympic Park, amongst greats such as Don Bradman, Dawn Fraser, Ian Thorpe and Ken Rosewall.

The 2018 Hall of Champions Inductees

Catherine Cox - Netball

Starting with the NSW 17/U team in 1992, New Zealand-born Catherine went on make 108 Test appearances for Australia over a 16 year period, seven times as captain.

As vice-captain of the Diamonds, Catherine won her second World Cup in 2011 – the same year that saw her score her 2000th goal for Australia. In 2012 she became the fourth player in Australian netball history to earn 100 test caps.

Catherine made 254 National League appearances, and as Captain of the NSW swifts played over 200 domestic matches – only the second Australian to reach that milestone.

She remains one of the most dominant and dangerous goal shooters in the world.

Julie Dolan AM - Football

A Matildas team member for 14 years, with 18 internationals, Julie Dolan is a pioneer of women's football in Australia. Competing in the earliest national and international competitions, Julie dominated the game in this era.

Despite limited opportunities for women, Julie competed in the first Women’s Asian Championship in Hong Kong in 1975. At age just 16, she became Australia’s inaugural captain, and in 1978 played in the first Women’s World Invitational in Chinese Taipei. Julie was captain of Australia in the first official international match against New Zealand in 1979.

As an administrator, player and coach, Julie has been a major force behind the growth of women’s football in Australia.

Jana Pittman - Athletics

Jana’s two gold medals at the 2000 Santiago World Junior Championships saw her become the first woman ever to win the 400m and 400m hurdles double at any IAAF or IOC championships.

In her first senior World Championship, in Paris in 2003, Jana won gold in the 400m hurdles. Four years later, in 2007, she won gold again in the same event in Osaka, just eight months after the birth of her son. At the 2002 Manchester and 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Jana won four gold medals in the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay.

Jana’s resilience and determination in the face of challenges has seen her recognised as one of Australia’s greatest female athletes.

Melanie Roche - Softball

One of the best softball pitchers in the world, Melanie Roche is one of only four Australian athletes to win a medal at four consecutive Summer Olympic Games, including a flawless run at the 2000 Sydney games where she posted an impressive 0.00 ERA.

Melanie represented Australia for over two decades, gaining 229 caps with the women’s national team wherein she participated in four World Championships, winning two bronze and one silver. Over a 15 year period, Melanie was named best pitcher at 12 national championships.

Melanie was inducted in to the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in 2012 and the World Baseball Softball Confederation Hall of Fame in 2017.

Mark Skaife OAM - Motor Racing

With 22 years behind the wheel, Mark Skaife’s stellar career includes five Australian Touring Car Championships, six Bathurst 1000 victories, three Australian Drivers Championships, a record 90 race wins, 220 event starts and 89 podiums finishes, solidifying him as one of the most successful drivers in Australia Touring Car/V8 Supercars history.

He won consecutive Australian Touring Car/V8 Supercars Championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002, and Bathurst victories in 2001, 2002 and 2005. In all, Skaife scored 27 round wins for HRT between 1998 and 2008.

Mark was inducted into the V8 Supercars Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame in 2017.