Australia

About 24% of Australians over the age of 15 regularly participate in organised sporting activities.[261]

Australia is unique in that it has professional leagues for four football codes. , the world's oldest major football code and Australia's most popular sport in terms of revenue and spectatorship, originated in Melbourne in the late 1850s, and predominates in all states except New South Wales and Queensland, where holds sway, followed by . , while ranked fourth in popularity and resources, has the highest overall participation rates.[369]

The has participated in every edition of the . Australia has been very successful in the event, winning the tournament five times, the record number.[370]

Australia is a powerhouse in water-based sports, such as swimming and surfing. movement originated in Australia, and the volunteer lifesaver is one of the country's icons. horse race and the yacht race attract intense interest.[375]

Australia is one of five nations to have participated in every of the modern era, in Melbourne and Australia has also participated in every ,, , . in participant, Australia has won the four times and the once—the only country to have won championships in two different FIFA confederations.. Other major international events held in Australia include the tennis tournament, international cricket matches, and the . The highest-rating television programs include sports telecasts such as the Summer Olympics, FIFA World Cup, , , and the of the and . began in the 1860s and snow sports take place in the and parts of Tasmania.