Our ANZ Spirit

Our Spirit is how it feels to be a Two Circler, as lived today. It’s not aspirational or a target. It is what we are right now.

Always changing, always staying the same.

Each element of our spirit is captured every minute of every day around the world on pitches, courts, tracks and courses around the world, from professional areas to local playgrounds.

This is our ANZ Spirit…

Steven Bradbury

Few Olympic wins have caused such an uproar as when Steven Bradbury was awarded the gold medal for his win in the 1000m men’s short track speed skating event. His opponents had all toppled, leaving him to glide across the finish line in a moment of tumultuous emotion; he did not know whether to celebrate or hide away while the judges deliberated on the outcome of the race. Ultimately, it was decided that there was no reason to re-race and the fallen skaters would have to wear the loss.

Bradbury, though, was no stranger to the inherent risk of short track skating – a sport that is known for its inevitable crashes and falls.

Before he was on the receiving end of an unfathomable stroke of luck that named him the winner of Australia’s first Gold at any Winter Olympics, Steven Bradbury had overcome some pretty harrowing trials. His tenacity and profound endurance made him an easy choice for embodying the value, ‘Anything is Possible’.

Bradbury often talks about the years of strife that went into this win, but laying out the pit stops (and pitfalls) along the road to victory starts to paint a vivid picture of legacy, dedication, and hope.

In an interview with The Roar, Bradbury recounts his first trepidatious strides on a pair of skates at three years old, his former world-champion father forcing him to run and cycle as a part of his training, and of finally at 15 years old arriving at the notion that a career in speed skating is what he wanted to pursue.

His training later landed him at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics, where he and his teammates won the first ever Winter Games medal for Australia in the 5000m relay. Just as his achievements were mounting, his leg was impaled on an opponent’s skate blade in a horrific accident that caused him to lose over 70% of his blood in 60 seconds.

Two years following, yet another calamity nearly claimed his career when he crashed into the barrier during training. With a halo brace screwed into his skull to heal a broken neck, he was told he would never skate again. Rather than accept defeat, Bradbury would return to the ice to skate at one final Olympic Games, where he would become a household name – one synonymous with winning by an impossible stroke of luck.

Though he sat in the changing room following the outcome, feeling conflicted about whether to accept the medal, Bradbury’s reflections on his career ultimately led him to arrive at a decision:

Cathy Freeman

When Cathy Freeman stepped onto the track on September 25, 2000, she was feeling ‘light’ and ‘loose’. Her inner peace, however, was wildly contrasted by the din that welcomed her in the stadium. This overwhelming support – the support of what felt like an entire nation – did not seem to faze Cathy as she made her way to the blocks.

Over 112,000 people were in attendance that day at the Sydney Summer Olympics, but it is estimated that 8.8 million Australians were watching in total – nearly half the population at that time. This audience, utterly captivated by what they were witnessing, were fully in the moment.

In the ABC documentary, Freeman, the sprinter recounts her memory of that shared experience:

This unity was particularly poignant given Australia’s social context at the time. The nation was grappling with issues of reconciliation, with then-Prime Minister Howard offering ‘regrets’ rather than apologies for the treatment of Indigenous Australians in the past.

It was therefore truly apt that Cathy Freeman, a proud Indigenous woman of the Birra Gubba and Kuku Yalanji Nations, was chosen to carry the Olympic torch during the Flame Ceremony. Her selection symbolized hope and resilience in the face of historical injustices that had plagued her people, and indeed per family, for generations.

Apart from the obvious coming-together that resulted from Freeman’s famous 400m dash to glory, there was a deeper and more meaningful unity that marked that day. She was determined to show her deep, unyielding pride in her People – choosing to represent her Australianity through the green and gold on her Nike Swift Suit, and her Indigenous heritage through red, black, and yellow shoes. Following her win, she famously tied together the Australian and Aboriginal flags to carry for her victory lap, which she had also done at the Commonwealth Games six years prior.

“I wanted to shout, ‘look at me, look at my skin. I’m black and I’m the best’. There was no more shame.”

Her triumph transcended politics, embodying the resilience and pride of Indigenous Australians while fostering a sense of reconciliation and unity among all Australians. In the heart of that historic moment, Cathy Freeman not only secured her place in sporting legend but also left an indelible mark on the fabric of Australian society, inspiring a nation to embrace diversity, equality, and unity.

Red Bull’s Record Pit Stop

In the heart-pounding world of Formula 1, where every race brings new challenges and triumphs, fewer moments encapsulate the concept of ‘high performance’ better than the 2019 Brazil Grand Prix. It was here, on the grounds of the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, that Red Bull Racing etched their name into motorsport history.

Max Verstappen, the prodigy behind the wheel of the Red Bull RB15, was on a mission to make his mark, but for once it was the Red Bull Pit Crew that stole the show, executing a pit stop in just 1.82 seconds.

They shattered the previous record, but it was more than just a flash in the pan; it was the culmination of years of relentless dedication and innovation. From their state-of-the-art facilities to their meticulously trained pit crew, every aspect of Red Bull Racing’s operation had been fine-tuned to perfection.

Team Principal Christian Horner put it perfectly:

John Landy and Ron Clarke

In the tapestry of Australian sporting history, few moments are as revered as the encounter between Ron Clarke and John Landy during the 1956 Australian National Championships. Their exchange, marked by a stumble and a helping hand, not only exemplified the essence of sportsmanship but also ignited a flame of inspiration that would resonate across the nation.

Ron Clarke, a rising star in the world of distance running, had his sights set on victory as he surged towards the finish line. Yet, fate intervened in the form of an unexpected trip, sending him crashing to the ground. Amidst the disappointment and frustration, it was John Landy, a fellow competitor renowned for his athletic prowess, who stepped forward to offer support.

Landy’s instinctive act of kindness, reaching out to assist Clarke to his feet, transcended the boundaries of competition. It was a moment of genuine sportsmanship that spoke volumes about the values inherent in Australian sport—integrity, camaraderie, and the willingness to lend a helping hand.

For Clarke, the encouragement from Landy fueled his determination, enabling him to rise and continue the race. Though victory may have eluded him on that day, his resilience in the face of adversity left an enduring mark on the hearts of Australians. It sparked a national conversation about the values that underpin sport and the importance of supporting one another, not just in athletics, but in all aspects of life.

Reflecting on the impact of that encounter, Clarke remarked:

Bob Hawke at the America’s Cup

In the chronicles of Australian sporting history, few moments shine as brightly as the nation’s triumph in the America’s Cup in 1983. At the helm of the celebrations was none other than Prime Minister Bob Hawke, whose energy and joy captivated the nation.

As the Australia II crossed the finish line, ending the United States’ 132-year winning streak in the prestigious sailing race, the entire country erupted in jubilation. But it was Hawke’s impassioned declaration that lives long in the memory.

With a smile on his face and a frenetic joy that had him bouncing out of his chair, he famously captured the spirit of the moment, and reflected the pride and elation felt by every Australian. Reflecting on the historic victory, Hawke spoke of the electric thrill that permeated the air during those unforgettable moments:

For Hawke, the America’s Cup victory was more than just a sporting triumph; it was a symbol of Australia’s resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. It was a moment that brought the entire country together, transcending political divides and uniting Australians from all walks of life.

In the years that followed, the memory of Australia’s America’s Cup victory and Hawke’s iconic proclamation would live on as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Australian people. And though time may pass, and memories may fade, the energy and enjoyment of that historic moment will forever remain ingrained in the hearts and minds of all who witnessed it.