Gaze crowned a sporting legend

Australian basketball icon Andrew Gaze was honoured on Monday night, recognised for his extraordinary impact on the sport at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala Dinner.

Held at the Crown Palladium, Gaze, arguably the NBL's greatest ever player, was elevated to Legend status alongside cricket superstar Belinda Clarke.

The pair became the 52nd and 53rd individuals to receive the prestigious honour, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

“The Sport Australia Hall of Fame is proud to elevate Andrew Gaze and Belinda Clark to the prestigious status of Legends of their nation,” Sport Australia Hall of Fame chair John Bertrand AO said in a statement.

“Both icons of their respective sports, Belinda and Andrew have long inspired through excellence, leadership, and grace.

“Joining the esteemed ranks of the 51 Legends before them, their elevation to Legend status is not merely an honour, it is a recognition of legacies that have shaped the soul of Australian sport and continue to ignite the dreams of generations to come.”

Upon reflection of the honour, Gaze, who represented his country at five Olympic Games and won a record seven NBL MVP awards, was blown away by the recognition.

“Being elevated to Legend status is something I’ve never really thought about, and it’s an honour I never imagined would be bestowed upon me," Gaze said.

"It’s very humbling, and there’s always a touch of guilt around it, because when you look at some of the people in there, you think, ‘what the hell am I doing in this type of company?’, but I’m very grateful that others feel it’s worthy, and I’m honoured to have this recognition.

“When I was growing up, through my dad, I was educated about the Olympic Games, the spirit of competition, and in particular the values associated with representing your country at the Olympics, along with the spirit of the Games and everything else that goes with it.

"Those values were instilled in me at a very early age, so my boyhood dreams and aspirations always centred around the pinnacle of playing for Australia and competing at the Olympics.

"Those Olympic experiences probably stick out a bit more because they are a direct result of the boyhood dreams you have as a youngster.”