Sport in the 1950’s - Australia
Types of Sport
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Tennis
Football
Soccer
Cricket
AFL
Athletics
Motor racing
Rugby Union
Volleyball
Gymnastics
Sporting Stars
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Sir Donald Bradman John Landy Ron Clarke Rod Laver Dawn Fraser – held 39 world records in swimming, including the 100 meters
freestyle record for 15 years from 1 December 1956 to 8 January 1972.
Murray Rose- star of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics
Sporting Events
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1956 – Olympic Games held in Melbourne
Sporting Moments
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Australia defeated USA to win the Davis Cup (4-1)
Herb Elliot broke the 4 minute mile
Increase in water sports
Recreation and Hobbies in the 1950’s
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All recreational activities in the 1950’s were very family orientated.
Outdoor activities were the most popular especially amongst families
Watching television after 1956 was a big form of entertainment
Playing sport (mostly fathers and sons) e.g. tennis, golf, football, soccer,
basketball and surfing, especially football which was as big a part of our
culture then as it was now.
Playing chess was commonly used as lessons for life in business
Rock ‘n’ roll music and dancing
Going to the beach and picnics
Saturday night dances
The cinema
Lawn bowls and bingo were popular amongst older people
Listening to the football on the radio