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Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne has been elevated to ‘Legend’ status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. With this, Warne becomes just the fifth-ever cricketer to be awarded the most prestigious sporting honour in Australia. Warne’s elevation to the ‘Legend’ status was announced on Sunday (4 December). Champion distance runner Ron Clarke was also elevated to the ‘Legend’ status by Sport Australia.
Warne joined the likes of Sir Donald Bradman, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud and Dennis Lillee in the exclusive club of legends. Notably, Warne was previously inducted in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame as an athlete member in 2009. And now, nine months after his sudden demise Warne has been elevated to the ‘Legend’ status.
“Shane Warne and Ron Clarke are the true definitions of Legends. Inspirations to all Australians. We are thrilled to announce their well-deserved elevation to Legend status within the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. They symbolise everything that is great about sport in Australia," said John Bertrand, fellow Legend and Sport Australia Hall of Fame chair.
The criteria for Legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame states: “Legend status provides an opportunity to celebrate and honour members who have distinguished themselves at the highest level and their achievements are considered part of Australian folklore."
“As we continue to mourn Shane’s passing, elevation to Legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame is a fitting and appropriate acknowledgement of his incredible achievements as a player and his impact on cricket throughout the world."
“Shane’s place in the pantheon of great Australian sportspeople is unquestioned and the status of legend sits comfortably with his accomplishments as well as the regard in which he is held by the public," said Nick Hockey, CEO, Cricket Australia.