Ward, Natalie
(1975 – )Olympian, Softball Player
Natalie Ward is one of only three women to win an Olympic medal and four games; the other two being softball teammates Tanya Harding and Lenaie Roche. She began her international career as a teenager, joining her sister Linda on the national team. She went on to become the first woman to play more than 400 games for Australia, and served as captain of the team. Ward regards the silver medal won in Athens as her proudest moment in sport.
Jackson, Lauren
(1981 – )Basketball Player, Olympian
Lauren Jackson is widely regarded as Australia’s greatest female basketball player ever. She has led the nation’s team, the Opals, to three silver medals at successive Olympic Games in Sydney (2000), Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008) and a much cherished bronze in London in 2012. She was chosen to carry flag for the Australian Olympic team in London in 2012, which was, she says, ‘the proudest moment of my sporting career’.
Roche, Melanie
(1970 – )Olympian, Softball Player
A Softball pitcher, Melanie Roche’s ability to frustrate hitters and limit scoring made her one of the most feared players in international competition. She was trusted with pitching duties in many of Australia’s finest wins. Roche has also enjoyed an excellent professional career with teams in Europe and Asia.