Cricket and Rugby have for many years been the playground for Australian sporting heroes. Following the retirements of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Stephen Larkham and George Gregan the sporting fan is starting to look at new athletes to idolize.
Surely these traditional Australian sports will develop and nurture new heroes but similarly Rugby League has just lost its hero, Andrew Johns and disgraced and discredited AFL player Ben Cousins will not be idolized like he once was.
As the changing of the guard occurs, a plethora of stars will fill those shoes but the rise of other Australian athletes in less popular sports over this year must be noted.
Mick Fanning has just become the World Champion surfer, one extraordinary feat that has been acknowledged by many Australians.
Casey Stoner become the motor bike Moto GP World Champion increasing the popularity of the sport.
Cadel Evans amazing feat in the Tour de France this year, the only Australian to finish on the winners podium will be even more determined in 2008 to go one better, raising the profile of cycling.
Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and John Aloisi have become household names after the success of the Socceroos in the 2007 world cup, thought unimaginable by the rugby purists prior to their success.
As we enter an era of change, golf, tennis and now even swimming struggle to produce the big stars that command sporting attention and a few new sports are enjoying new exposure thanks to their athletes success.
