The Sport Australia Hall of Fame has upgraded Shane Warne, the great Australian leg-spinner, to "Legend" rank. Warne receives the nation's top sporting honour nine months after his untimely death in March of this year at the age of 52, making him just the fifth cricketer to receive it in history.
Ron Clarke, a world-class distance runner, and Warne both received promotions tonight. Warne was already accorded the legend title as a cricket player in 2009, joining the likes of Sir Donald Bradman, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud, and Dennis Lillee in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame as an athlete.
"Shane Warne and Ron Clarke are the true definition 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.
Throughout the 1990s, Warne played a crucial role in revitalising the leg-spin bowling technique, which was seen as a dying art. He took 708 Test wickets in 145 games and 293 ODI wickets in 194 matches.
"Our thoughts remain with the Warne family, especially Shane's children Jackson, Summer, and Brooke, who I am sure will be ecstatic with this most recent recognition of their father's outstanding contribution to cricket and Australian sport," the statement reads.
Hockley continued, "On behalf of Australian Cricket, we appreciate Sport Australia Hall of Fame for this acknowledgment of Shane, whose legacy will continue to motivate young people to pick up a bat and ball for countless years to come.