Glenn McGrath AM

Glenn McGrath AM's Biography

Glenn McGrath's success to date has seen him become one of Australia's most popular and well respected athletes. His personal courage and on field success has seen him constantly sought after by the media and he is one of the most iconic faces in Australia today. Following Glenn’s success as the most successful Test and International fast bowler he was a hero on the Australian team for his 14 year career.

 

Since Glenn’s retirement in 2006 he was named NSW Australian of the Year 2008, Glenn's name has become synonymous with not just cricket, but with providing support for Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families through the provision of McGrath Breast Care Nurses. Since the passing of his beloved wife Jane in June 2008, Glenn has accepted the position of Chairman of the Board and is active in many of the McGrath Foundation's activities to ensure Jane's vision is fulfilled. A father of two, Glenn is also focused on raising his and Jane's children, James and Holly, whom he describes as an eternal blessing.

 

Glenn and his late wife Jane commenced The McGrath Foundation to address the chronic shortage of breast care nurses throughout Australia particularly in rural and regional Australia. The foundation has currently achieved funding 100 McGrath Breast Care Nurses early in 2014 and has helped change the lives of 25,000 families and Australian women fighting breast cancer. The goal is to reach 150 nurses across the country.

 

McGrath has taken more wickets than any other Australian fast bowler in One Day Internationals and is currently fourth on the all time Test Match wicket list. Glenn was the first Australian bowler to play in 200 One‐Day Internationals and the first Australian Fast Bowler to play in 100 Test matches.

 

Glenn announced his retirement from Test cricket at the end of 2006. His Test career came to an end after the fifth Ashes test in Sydney, while the 2007 World Cup marked the end of his One‐Day career.

 

In 2008 Glenn was named as a member of the Order of Australia for 'service to cricket as a player' and later that year he was the recipient of the NSW Australian of the Year Award in recognition of his dedication to the McGrath Foundation and his contribution to cricket. Glenn also played in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 Tournament for the Delhi Daredevils in 2008 and 2009.

Speaking Topics Include

·                     Life growing up in the country

·                     His rise to the top and playing cricket for Australia

·                     Memorable moments from his cricket career

·                     Amusing cricket anecdotes

·                     The highs and lows of professional sport

·                     Performing under pressure

·                     The McGrath Foundation

·                     The journey with Jane

·                     Life after cricket