This Month
- Explainer
- Paris 2024
Freezes and flares: The newest Olympic sport explained
Breaking is the latest sport to appear at the Olympic Games. But how does it work, how do you win and can you make any money from it?
- Zoe Samios
How young sports fans are changing the game
Thanks to social media, team loyalty is being replaced by devotion to individual athletes.
- The Economist
Meet the PhD breakdancer behind the Raygun memes
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn did her thesis on the culture of breaking. Now she’s a meme after her controversial Olympic debut.
- Zoe Samios
Water polo’s golden girls have feisty medallist in their corner
Gold medallist turned coach Taryn Woods says her sport has to be prepared to do what it needs to ensure exposure and inclusion.
- Michael Bleby
TV networks to demand fee relief as $40m wagering hole opens up
Sports codes, wagering firms and media companies have a week to make their pitch to the Albanese government, after secret briefings on Thursday and Friday.
- Sam Buckingham-Jones
Think you’re busy? Australia’s water polo captains live two lives
The co-captains of the men’s water polo team have full-time jobs. It’s the reality for many Australian athletes, particularly as they approach the end of their careers.
- Zoe Samios
The affirmations race walker Jemima Montag used to win a bronze medal
In the end, it was the power of the mind that pushed Jemima Montag onto the podium to become the first Australian woman to place in race walking since 2004.
- Zoe Samios
Matildas’ dream over after gut-wrenching defeat
The Matildas lost 2-1 to the US in a match riddled with errors and yellow cards. It was the team’s second loss in a group stage, meaning they are now headed home.
- Updated
- Zoe Samios and Mark Ludlow
July
An industry that began in the 1950s now breeds Olympic swimming gold
The rise of learn-to-swim schools in Australia has delivered an unexpected benefit: generations of elite swimmers faster than anyone else on Earth.
- Zoe Samios
Your guide to the Olympics: Who to watch and when
The Games are back and some of the world’s most decorated athletes will be centre stage. These are the events and competitors you won’t want to miss.
- Zoe Samios
- Exclusive
- Paris 2024
Labor wants quotas for women on sports boards
Almost 56 per cent of Australians competing in Paris are women – the highest proportion in history. But this is not reflected on the boards of most sports.
- Zoe Samios
Can the NRL pull off its biggest ever expansion?
The NRL is deciding whether to expand to a 20-team competition. The rewards could be huge, but the clubs aren’t so confident.
- Zoe Samios
June
Why Anna Meares chased the job of leading the Aussie Olympic team
As one of the country’s most decorated athletes, Australia’s chef de mission knows the triumph and heartache of competing at this level better than most.
- Zoe Samios
Robyn Denholm, Larry Kestelman buy slice of women’s basketball
The WNBL, currently run by Basketball Australia, has struggled to make money for years. The two businesspeople will buy a controlling stake in the league.
- Zoe Samios
Surf lifesaving in the Olympics? This broker says it’s no pipe dream
Shaw and Partners is all-in on wealth and health. But there’s more to its latest deal: elevating competitive surf lifesaving to the Brisbane 2032 program.
- Zoe Samios
- Exclusive
- Private equity
Private equity giant Blackstone enlists former AFL boss Gill McLachlan
The businessman stepped down as chief executive of the AFL at the end of last year. He’s been linked to a range of roles across sport and wagering.
- Zoe Samios
The billionaire sports investor gunning for golf
John Henry turned a commodities fortune into a sporting empire. Now, he’s taking on the sovereign wealth that is rewriting the rules of the game.
- Sara Germano
Denholm, Kestelman in joint play for big stake in women’s basketball
Tesla chairwoman and the Dodo founder already have significant interest in basketball. Others to have submitted offers for a 30 per cent stake include IMG, sources say.
- Zoe Samios
May
Legal action vowed against Rugby Australia after Melbourne Rebels axed
Troubled rugby union club Melbourne Rebels has been shut down after 14 seasons.
- Updated
- Gus McCubbing and Zoe Samios
Women’s basketball chases investors for $20m-plus slam dunk
The WNBL is for sale. It’s attracted interest from Aussie rich-listers to offshore funds.
- Updated
- Zoe Samios
