Queensland Sport Hall of Fame Recognises Newest Legend and Inductees
Published Thu 10 Oct 2024
Six iconic names will be inducted into the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame at this year's Queensland Sport Awards, with Australian former world number one tennis player, Pat Rafter, also set to be recognised with elevation to 'Legend of Queensland Sport' status.
Set to take place in the Plaza Ballroom at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday November 21, and proudly supported by the Queensland Government, the 2024 Queensland Sport Awards and Hall of Fame Induction will see past and present Queensland stars recognised and celebrated for their achievements and contributions.
Two-time Grand Slam champion, Sydney 2000 Olympian and existing Hall of Fame inductee Pat Rafter will be given the highest honour Queensland Sport can bestow when he is elevated to the status of 'Legend' on the night of nights.
The Mount Isa born tennis player said he is incredibly humbled by the honour.
“I’m a very passionate Queenslander so to be recognised as a ‘Legend of Queensland Sport’ is really awesome,” said Rafter.
“From making the Queensland team as an under 14 representative to playing Davis Cup for Australia and everything in between, sometimes you don’t sit back and really enjoy the things you did until later on.
“Being called a legend feels a little odd to me, I’d never sit around thinking of myself like that, but at the same time to be recognised alongside the absolute great names is very cool, I’m incredibly proud,” he said.
Australian football commentator and former professional rugby league footballer, captain and coach Paul Vautin will also be recognised on the night with his induction to the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame alongside Emilee Cherry OAM OLY (Rugby Union), Jim Atkins OAM (Horse Racing (NB: deceased)), Shaun Hart (AFL), Mark Knowles OAM OLY (Hockey) and Darren Thrupp OAM PLY (Athletics).
“I was incredibly humbled and excited to hear I was being considered for the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame, especially considering the incredible names that the state has produced,” said Vautin.
“So many heroes of mine have been inducted, greats such as Arthur Beetson OAM and Wally Lewis AM, so I am just so incredibly honoured.
“As a dumpy little freckle-faced redhead growing up playing footy in Queensland, I never would have believed any of this.
“Everyone in the Vautin family is stoked, I wish my parents could have been here to see it, I owe so much to them,” he said.
Tickets for the 2024 Queensland Sport Awards and Hall of Fame Induction go on sale next Tuesday October 15th via the Awards event site and QSport website.
