Role Models
Perceptions of who represents a good role model in sport.
In 2024/25, 75% of Australians believed national elite athletes are among the best role models for children and young people.
Australians also continue to see Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athletes and teams as good role models for themselves. Ratings increased this year, likely influenced by the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Men’s professional sport, along with coaches and officials, were less likely to be seen as good role models.
Extent to which the following types of athletes are good role models for you personally.… % ‘a great deal’ or ‘somewhat’
Australian athletes and teams at the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games - 73% - 2023/24: 70% - 2022/23: 73% - 2021/22: 72%
Paralympic and disability sport athletes - 71% - 2023/24: 69% - 2022/23: 73% - 2021/22: 72%
Other Australian national athletes and teams competing as Australia in international sport - 68% - 2023/24: 68% - 2022/23: 67% - 2021/22: 66%
International Australian professional athletes playing professional sport around the globe - 64% - 2023/24: 63% - 2022/23: 64% - 2021/22: 62%
Women’s professional sports / codes in Australia - 63% - 2023/24: 63% - 2022/23: 65% - 2021/22: 64%
Local club sport athletes - 59% - 2023/24: 58% - 2022/23: 60% - 2021/22: 58%
Men’s professional sports / codes in Australia - 57% - 2023/24: 57% - 2022/23: 56% - 2021/22: 52%
Sport umpires, referees and other officials - 56% - 2023/24: 56% - 2022/23: 56% - 2021/22: 55%
Sports coaches - 56% - 2023/24: 56% - 2022/23: 56% - 2021/22: 54%
