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1956 Melbourne Olympics
The 1956 Summer Olympics, known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event which was held in Melbourne, Australia in 1956, apart from the equestrian events, which were in Stockholm. The 1956 Games were the first to be staged in the Southern Hemisphere. Melbourne is the southernmost city to host the games. This was the second Olympics not to be held entirely in one country.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1956_Summer_Olympics -
Rod Laver's domination
In 1962 Rod Laver became the second Men's Tennis player to complete the Grand Slam and then repeated the feat in 1969, winning the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in a single calendar year. He also holds the record for the most number of singles titles won from 1962 to 1976 he won 200 titles.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_sport_in_Australia#1960s -
1974 FIFA World Cup qualification
In 1974 the Australian team qualified for the FIFA World Cup, the first successful qualification to the World Cup in the Australia's history after failing to qualify in 1966 and 1970. The Australian squad included Harry Williams, the first Australian Aboriginal to play for the national soccer team. It would be the only appearance for the Australian team for more than three decades.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_sport_in_Australia#1960s -
State of Origin beginning
In 1980, the annual three match rugby league series between New South Wales and Queensland adopted for the final match 'State of Origin' selection rules. Selection for interstate matches since 1908 had previously been based on where you lived. In 1982 Origin selection rules were adopted for all Origin matches, beginning the annual State of Origin series.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_sport_in_Australia#1960s -
Rugby Union becoming professional in Australia
In 1995, rugby union became professional in Australia following an agreement between SANZAR countries and Rupert Murdoch regarding television rights for the game. Australia won two world cups in the 1990's, the 1991 Rugby World Cup beating England in the final, and the 1999 Rugby World Cup beating France in the final.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_sport_in_Australia#1960s -
2000 Sydney Olympics
In 2000, Sydney hosted the Summer Olympic Games, Australia finished fourth on the medal tally with 58 medals, 26 of them gold.
Cathy Freeman won the 400-metre final. Freeman's success at the games made her an unofficial spokesperson for Aboriginal sport in the country.
Also at the Olympics, Ian Thorpe won 3 gold as well as 2 silver.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_sport_in_Australia#1960s -
Black Caviar's Streak
From 2008 until 2013, the Australian thoroughbred mare Black Caviar was undefeated in 25 races, a record not matched in over 100 years. Notable wins include the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, as well as being named the top sprinter in the World from 2010- 2012.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_sport_in_Australia#1960s -
Cronulla Sharks Premiership win
After the 2016 season which the Sharks finished third, they defeated the Raiders in the Week 1 of the final's 16-14. In the preliminary they defeated defending premiers North Queensland Cowboys 32-20. They would face and defeat the Melbourne Storm in the 2016 NRL Grand Final. The Sharks, after leading 8-0 at half-time, prevailed 14-12 to claim their first premiership in the club's 50-year history. Luke Lewis was the Clive Churchill winner
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cronulla-Sutherland_Sharks
