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The Paralympic Movement’s ever-growing influence to drive positive change has been recognised in News Corp’s annual Power 100 list of the most influential women in Australian sport.
Released ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday, the list features Paralympians who have shone in and out of competition and key decision-makers who are championing greater inclusion, visibility and impact for Paralympic sport in Australia.
Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray said the recognition of so many Paralympic figures highlighted the significant position of the Paralympic Movement across the Australian sporting landscape.
“The women recognised in the Power 100 list represent the strength, determination and leadership that define Australian sport. I’m particularly proud to see so many incredible contributors to Paralympic sport acknowledged, from athletes who continue to inspire on and off the field, to administrators and advocates working to ensure that sport is more inclusive and impactful,” Mr Murray said.
“Paralympic sport has a profound ability to break barriers, change perceptions and create opportunities. The presence of so many women from our movement on this list is a testament to the vital role they play in shaping not only Paralympic sport but Australian sport as a whole.”
Paralympians recognised include Lauren Parker (59), Alexa Leary (74), and Madison de Rozario (84), all of whom excelled at last year’s Paris Paralympic Games and continue to play strong advocacy roles.
Several influential figures within Paralympics Australia’s leadership were also named, including President Alison Creagh (30) and fellow PA Directors Kate Jones (17), retired Paralympian Ellie Cole (21) and Rebecca Frizelle (26).
Kate McLoughlin (88), the Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission for four Paralympic campaigns also made the list along with other long-term contributors to the Paralympic Movement including Paralympian, Deputy Chef de Mission for Paris 2024 and Australian Sports Commission Director Dr Bridie Kean (97), and Robyn Smith (98), an IPC Board Member and Brisbane 2032 Board Member.
The list also features leaders outside of Paralympics Australia who have a major influence on the movement, such as AIS Director Matti Clements (3), Brisbane 2032 CEO Cindy Hook (4), Australian Sports Commission Chair Kate Jenkins (6), Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells (9), and Governor General of Australia Sam Mostyn (24), who also serves as PA’s Patron-In-Chief. Their roles in governance, policy and advocacy continue to shape the broader sporting landscape, ensuring that Paralympic sport remains an integral part.
In addition, the list includes Australia’s Commonwealth Games Chef de Mission Petria Thomas (75) and leaders of national sporting organisations overseeing high-performance Paralympic programs, such as Jane Fleming (47, Athletics Australia President), Marne Fechner (33, Cycling Australia CEO), Sarah Cook (35, Rowing Australia CEO), and Kim Crane (36, Paddle Australia CEO), all of whom are committed to the success and growth of Paralympic athletes and teams.
President of Paralympics Australia, Ms Creagh emphasised that the ongoing contributions of these women is making a monumental impact in growing Paralympic sport at all levels across Australia.
“Paralympic sport continues to grow in strength and influence and this is largely due to the dedication of women and men who champion our athletes and advocate for greater inclusion in sport. To see so many incredible women recognised is inspiring and reinforces the importance of what we do,” she said.
By: Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia
Published: 7 March 2025
