1. MATTHEW GRAY

Sport: Archery

Events: Individual, team

DOB: 24-06-73

Born: Yea, Victoria

Lives: Boat Harbour

Height: 189cm

Weight: 86kg

Club: Sydney Olympic Park Archers

Coaches: Kathleen Gray (2000-present), Ki Sik Lee (1998-2000)

Olympic Games: 2000 Sydney, 1996 Atlanta

Olympic results: 2000 Sydney 36th (ind), 12th (teams); 1996 Atlanta 26th (ind); 4th (teams)

Career highlights: Winning bronze in the field event at the world championships in 1988 and 1994; 4th place in teams event at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Finest sportsperson: Herb Elliot

Best sport team: Oarsome Foursome

I began this sport: at age 7 in Goorambat when my father bought a bow from a garage sale.

Participation in other sports: Aussie Rules

When I am not training/competing I am: changing nappies

2. BENN HARRADINE

Sport: Athletics

Event: Discus

DOB: 14-10-82

Born: Newcastle

Lives: Melbourne

Height: 198cm

Weight: 115kg

Institute: Victorian Institute of Sport

Club: Hunter Track and Field, Ringwood

Coaches: Gus Puopolo 2003-2008, Keith Bennett 1994-2002

Olympic Games: Debut

Career highlights: Breaking 30-year-old Australian record with a throw of 66.37m in the US in May, competing at the Commonwealth Games final in Melbourne in 2006.

Childhood ambition: To be an Olympian and Australian record holder

Finest sportsperson: Roger Federer, Virgilius Alekna.

Best sport team: Australian Olympic Team

I began this sport: because I have a liver condition that prevented me from playing most contact sports. I havent looked back since

Participation in other sports: Representative baseball, basketball and swimming. As a youngster I played water polo, soccer, cricket, basketball and swimming.

When I am not training/competing I am: playing guitar, heading home to the coast in Newcastle, playing with my nephews Thor and Oslo, seeing my family, going to my girlfriend's farm and riding dirt bikes, surfing, camping, shopping or just being outdoors.

3. JENNI SCREEN

Sport: Basketball

Position: Guard

DOB: 26-02-82

Born: Newcastle

Lives: Adelaide

Height: 180cm

Weight: 69kg

Club: Basket Parma, Reggio Emilia

Coaches: Phil Brown (1999 2001), Jan Stirling (2001 present)

Olympic Games: Debut

Career highlight: Winning the gold medal at the World Championships in 2006.

Finest sportsperson: Craig Mottram

Best sport team: Opals

I began this sport: when I was 13 years old at high school.

Participation in other sports: Netball, volleyball, both at State level for Queensland.

When I am not training/competing I am: sleeping or spending time with my husband.

4. SUZY BATKOVIC

Sport: Basketball

Position: Foward/centre

DOB: 17-12-80

Born: Newcastle

Lives: Sydney

Height: 195cm

Weight: 89kg

Club: Taranto (Italy)

Coach: Jan Stirling (2001 present)

Olympic Games: 2004 Athens

Olympic medals: Silver

Career highlight: Winning silver at the 2004 Olympic Games

Best sport team: Collingwood (AFL)

I began this sport: When I was 14 because my brother was always pestering me to play. I finally got sick of the nagging and gave it a go.

Participation in other sports: Netball, oz-tag and I try to surf.

When I am not training/competing I am: relaxing, shopping, having fun and spending time with my family, friends and fiance.

5. MATHEW HELM

Sport: Diving

Event: 10m Platform, synchronised 10m platform, synchronised 3m springboard

DOB: 09-12-1980

Born: Bourke

Lives: Brisbane

Height: 170cm

Weight: 62kg

Institute: Australian Institute of Sport

Club: Hunter United Diving Academy

Coach: Hui Tong (2001 present)

Olympic Games: 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens

Olympic Results: 2000 Sydney - 10m synchro (5th), 10m platform (8th), 2004 Athens 10m platform (2nd), 10m synchro (3rd)

Olympic Medals: 1 Silver Medal, 1 Bronze Medal

Career Highlights: winning silver and bronze Olympic medals, wining two gold Commonwealth Games medals in Melbourne, 2006

Childhood ambition: When I was six years old I wanted to be "someone special".

Finest sportsperson: Roger Federer

Best sport team: Newcastle Knights

I began this sport: In 1993 when I was 13 years old

Participation in other sports: I used to be a gymnast

When I am not training/competing I am: Playing my guitar and singing, going to the beach with my friends and dancing

6. HEATH RYAN

Sport: Equestrian

Event: Dressage, individual and team

DOB: 02/07/58

Born: Sydney

Lives: Lochinvar

Height 182cm

Weight 74kg

Institute: NSW Institute of Sport

Club: Equestrian Federation of Australia

Coaches: Harry Boldt (2002-2008), Wayne Roycroft (1990-2008)

Olympic Games: Debut

Career Highlights: Australian three-day event champion three times, winning every International Grand Prix competition in Australia last year.

Finest sportsperson: Lance Armstrong

Best sport team: Wallabies

I began this sport: Through my parents when they gave me a pony at Christmas when I was 12 years old.

Participation in other sports: Cricket, rugby union

When I am not training/competing I am: On Christmas Day I go fishing with the price tag still attached to my gear. I love it, but have never caught a fish.

7. JADE NORTH

Sport: Football

Position: Defender

DOB: 07/01/82

Born: Taree

Lives: Newcastle

Height 180cm

Weight 78kg

Coaches: Gary van Egmond (2005 present), Grahm Arnold (2008 present), Pim Verbeek (2008 present)

Olympic Games: 2004 Athens

Career Highlights:The 1999 under-17 World Cup final in New Zealand. Australia lost on penalties to Brazil but remain the only Austrlalian team to have played in a final in a World Cup; winning tow NSW championships at Sydney Olympic (2001-02), Perth Glory (2003-04); captaining Newcastle Jets to 2007-08 A-League Championship.

Finest sportsperson: Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods

Best sport team: Barcelona

I began this sport: When my parents got me into it at young age. I was an active kid, so it was a good outlet.

Participation in other sports: Touch footy, basketball, rugby union.

When I am not training/competing I am: Spending time with my family.

8. STUART MUSIALIK

Sport: Soccer

Position: Midfielder

DOB: 29-03-85

Height: 175cm

Weight: 70kg

Club: Sydney FC

Coaches: Graham Arnold (2007 present), John Kosmina (2008 present)

Olympic Games: Debut

Career highlight: Winning A-League grand final with Newcastle Jets

Finest sportsperson: Tiger Woods

Best sport team: Manchester United

I began this sport: When I was 4. My dad was a footballer and my older brother played, so I was always at training.

Participation in other sports: Surfing, golf

When I am not training/competing I am: Hanging out with family and friends.

9. BEN AUSTIN

Sport: Sailing

Event: 49er class

Position: Crew

DOB: 16-07-82

Born: Sydney

Lives: Belmont North

Height: 185cm

Weight: 78kg

Institute: AIS, NSW Institute of Sport

Club: Woollahra Sailing Club

Coach: Emmett Lazich

Olympic Games: Debut

Career highlights: Winning 2008 49er world title (Portsea). Bronze at 2007 49er world titles (Portugal).

Best sport team: Australian cricket team

I began this sport: At 18 months old, so I am told. Have always sailed and always will.

Participation in other sports: Played soccer as a kid, love outdoor recreations, including mountain biking, bushwalking, wind surfing.

When I am not training/competing I am: Spending time with my wife and enjoying the great outdoors.

10. NATHAN OUTTERIDGE

Sport: Sailing

Event: 49er class

Position: Skipper

DOB: 28-07-86

Born: Newcastle

Lives: Wangi Wangi

Height: 178cm

Weight: 71kg

Institute: NSW Institute of Sport

Club: Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron

Coach: Emmett Lazich (2006 present), Craig Ferris (2001-07)

Olympic Games: Debut

Career highlights: Winning 2008 49er world title (Portsea). Winning three consecutive ISAF World Youth Championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Finest sportsperson: Chris Nicholson

I began this sport: When I was four at Lake Macquarie as a result of family influence

Participation in other sports: Played tennis and AFL at club level.

When I am not training/competing I am: Spending time with my girlfriend and family.

11. MICHAEL DIAMOND

Sport: Shooting

Event: Trap

DOB: 20-05-72

Born: Sydney

Lives: Corlette

Height: 174cm

Weight 75kg

Institute: NSW Institute of Sport

Club: Newcastle-Lake Macquarie

Coach: Con Diamond (1980 - 2000)

Olympic Games: 2004 Athens, 2000 Sydney, 1996 Atlanta, 1992 Barcelona

Olympic results: 2004 Athens - 8th men's trap; 2000 Sydney - 9th double trap, 1st trap; 1996 Atlanta - 1st trap; 1992 Barcelona - 11th trap

Olympic medals: 2 Gold

Career highlights: winning gold in the men's trap at the Atlanta Olympics and Sydney Olympics

Finest sportsperson: Muhammad Ali

Inspiration: to own a 60 foot cruiser and a waterfront home

Motto: Work hard, play hard, and take each day as it comes

I began this sport: after watching my father for many years

12. ANGIE BAINBRIDGE

Sport: swimming

Event: 4 x 100m freestyle relay, 4 x 200m freestyle relay

DOB: 16-10-89

Height: 181cm

Weight: 67kg

Institute/s: Australian Institute of Sport

Club: Hunter.

Coaches: John Fowlie, Eric Arnold (deceased)

Olympic Games: Debut

Career highlight: Making 2008 Olympic team

Finest sportsperson: Lance Armstrong

Best sport team: Sydney Swans

I began this sport: when I was eight because I lived near a beach and didn't want to drown.

Participation in other sports: Netball, surf lifesaving.

When I am not training/competing I am: sleeping

13. NATALIE WARD

Sport: Softball

DOB: 24-12-75

Born: Newcastle

Lives: Newcastle

Height: 168cm

Weight: 64kg

Institute: NSW Institute of Sport

Club: Lake Macquarie Association

Coaches: Troy Baverstock (2006 present), Fabian Barlow (2005 present)

Olympic Games: 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens

Olympic result: 1996 Atlanta 3rd, 2000 Sydney 3rd, 2004 Athens 2nd

Career highlights: Silver medal at 2004 Olympics; bronze medal at 2000 Olympics

Finest sportsperson: Kieren Perkins

I began this sport: At age 10. I followed by sister into the sport and played with a club team in Kotara.

When I am not training/competing I am: Working in the events industry or as a personal trainer.

14. BELINDA WRIGHT

Sport: Softball

DOB: 16-09-80

Born: Newcastle

Lives: Morisset

Height: 170cm

Weight: 63kg

Institute: NSW Institute of Sport

Coaches: Troy Baverstock (2005 - present), Kathy Horton (1998 - present)

Olympic Games: Debut

Career highlights: Winning bronze at the 2006 world championships, named MVP for the 3rd round of the 2007 national league.

Finest sportsperson: Too many to choose Kieren Perkins

I began this sport: When I was in year one at primary school. My teacher took us out and taught us how to throw.

Participation in other sports: At school, I played whatever sports I could including dancing, horse riding and little athletics. Later I played touch football, hockey, rugby union, soccer and anything else that I could.

When I am not training/competing I am: Spending time with my loving husband and family

15. RICHIE CAMPBELL

Sport: Water polo

Position: Centre back

DOB: 18/09/87

Born: Newcastle

Lives: Barcelona

Height 193cm

Weight 92kg

Institute: NSW Institute of Sport

Club: Western Suburbs Magpies, Sydney; Club Barcelona

Coaches: Erkin Shagaev (2006 present), John Fox (2005 present)

Olympic Games: Debut

Career highlights: Competing at the Junior World Cup 2005 and 2007. Winning a bronze medal in the World League super finals in 2007.

Childhood ambition: To become a vet.

Finest sportsperson: Michael Jordan

Best sport team: Canberra Raiders

I began this sport: When I was 11 because my swimming coach got me into it.

Participation in other sports: Swimming, basketball, softball, soccer, rugby league

When I am not training/competing I am: Sleeping, eating and being a lifeguard.