Layne hits top three on Australia's Greatest list

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Layne Beachley makes top three on Australia’s greatest sportswomen list

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 3 March, 2013 : - - Seven-time surfing World Champion Layne Beachley has won many accolades in her stellar career but her recognition in the top three of Australia’s greatest sportswomen has topped them all.

Beachley was given the honour at a recent ball in Canberra where Australia’s top 100 female athletes of all time were named. Swimming legend Dawn Fraser was named Australia’s greatest female athlete ahead of athletics great Betty Cuthbert with Beachley in third spot.

The list was decided by a public vote, input from athletes and research by advocacy group Sports for Women. A driven competitor with a fierce ambition, Beachley is one of Australia’s most celebrated sporting champions winning seven World Titles from 1998-2003 and again in 2006.

Out of the water, she has become a strong advocate for women’s rights in surfing, is a Surfing Australia board member, a highly sought-after media spokesperson, mentor for Australian athletes and during last year’s London Olympics was an Athlete Liaison Officer for the Australian team.

“Just to be considered as one of the top 100 female athletes of all time is extremely gratifying,” Beachley said. “But then to find myself in the top three and share the honour with such amazing people as Dawn Fraser, Betty Cuthbert and Margaret Court is extraordinary.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I’d be in the same realm as those wonderful athletes and revered Australians. “I honestly did not think I’d be anywhere near the top three so I’ll feel very honoured and humbled.”

Margaret Court (tennis), Lauren Jackson (basketball), Heather McKay (squash), Rechelle Hawkes (hockey), Shirley Strickland (athletics), Anna Meares (cycling), Cathy Freeman (athletics), Karrie Webb (golf) and Liz Ellis (netball) rounded out the top 12. 

www.surfingaustralia.com

Source: Surfing Australia

Author: Tim Brimblecombe

Tags: Layne Beachley, Australia's Greatest Sportswomen, Australia

Team: Surfersvillage