Dual-code wonders and fighting pioneers: Olympians who switched sports
Updated . First published
Sport-hopping Olympians
Nova Peris, Ronda Rousey and Ric Charlesworth are some of the best-known sport-hopping Olympians.
But how many of the following do you remember?
Brian Booth - Field Hockey
A dual-sport athlete, Booth was selected for the Australian men's hockey team for the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne.
Brian Booth - Cricket
While a very solid hockey player, Booth was an exceptional cricketer and played 29 Test matches for Australia.
A right-handed batter, Booth scored five centuries in the baggy green, and amassed 15,000 first-class runs during his career.
Booth passed away in 2023.
Dick Thornett - Water Polo
One of Australia's most versatile athletes, Thornett represented his country at the 1960 Olympic Games in water polo.
The team would unfortunately miss out on a medal and Thornett would be banned from playing in 1962 due to other sporting commitments.
Dick Thornett - Rugby League and Rugby Union
A dual-international, Thornett played over 160 games for the Parramatta Eels, as well as 11 appearances for Australia.
In the 15-man code, Thornett played 11 games for the Wallabies.
Ric Charlesworth - Hockey
A member of the Kookaburras team at five Olympic Games, Charlesworth captained the national side during a stellar career.
He was part of the 1976 Montreal team that finished with a silver medal.
Charlesworth would also go on to coach the Aussie men's and women's teams.
Ric Charlesworth - Cricket
As well as starring in hockey, Charlesworth was more than handy on the cricket field, playing 47 first-class games for Western Australia, scoring over 2300 runs.
He was part of the Sheffield Shield winning teams in 1973, 1977 and 1978.
Herschel Walker - Bobsled
One of the most beloved athletes on this list, Walker competed at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.
He would finish seventh in the two-man bobsled alongside his teammate.
Herschel Walker - NFL
While competing at the Olympics is certainly a huge accomplishment, Walker is more well-known for his exploits on the NFL field.
In a professional career that spanned 15 seasons, Walker was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and finished with over 80 touchdowns in the league.
During his college years at Georgia, Walker won the coveted Heisman Trophy.
Mark Henry - Weightlifting
A freakish strongman competitor, Henry represented USA at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics in weightlifting.
