SPORTING SPECTACLES

The ones we watch:

(In order of match-attendance and popularity on TV)

  1. AFL (Australian Football League, aka Aussie Rules, preferred in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia)
  2. NRL (National Rugby League, preferred in Queensland and New South Wales)
  3. Cricket
  4. Tennis
  5. Horse racing
  6. Motor sports
  7. Rugby union
  8. Basketball
  9. Soccer
  10. Netball

The ones we do:

  1. Walking: 18 per cent of men walk, 33 per cent of women.
  2. Aerobics/gym: 9 per cent of men, 13 per cent of women.
  3. Swimming: 10 per cent of men, 12 per cent of women.
  4. Golf: 12 per cent of men, 2 per cent of women.
  5. Tennis: 8 per cent of men, 6 per cent of women.

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Australia won 14 gold medals, 15 silver and 17 bronze, placing it number 6 after China, USA, Russia, Britain and Germany.