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Who will be the first 2008 Olympic Gold medallist on a stamp?

Softball

Australia qualified for the Games with their bronze at the 2006 World Championships in Beijing. This could be the last time softball is held after it was dropped from the schedule for London. Eight teams will chase history with Australia hoping to improve on Athens silver.

The following teams have qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in softball:

China, USA, Japan, Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, the Netherlands and Venezuela

For a full schedule of games, click here>>

Australia and Olympic Softball

Australia has competed and medalled at every addition of Olympic softball. At Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 the Aussie Spirit won the bronze and improved to win the silver at Athens 2004. In Beijing the Australian women hope to go one step further and win gold.

Two members of the Australian bronze medal-winning team from Atlanta, Jenny Holliday and Joyce Lester, were inducted to the ISF Hall of Fame in 2001.

Olympic History

Softball was granted Olympic status in Atlanta in 1996, without ever being a demonstration sport. Only four countries have won medals in the three Olympic softball competitions, in 1996, 2000 and 2004. The United States has won all three gold medals and Australia won bronze medals in 1996 and 2000 and improved to win the silver in Athens in 2004. Japan was the silver medallist at Sydney in 2000 and the bronze medal winner in Athens in 2004. China won the bronze at the sports debut in 1996.

Gold Medal Winners from the Past Three Olympic Games

Women's Tournament
Atlanta 1996 - USA
Sydney 2000 - USA
Athens 2004 - USA

For more information:

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AUS Historic Medal Tally

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* Medal tally prior to 2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Softball Bios

Read the biographies of the 15 softballers who have been selected for Beijing 2008.

Competition Schedule

Find out what sports are on when, by viewing the Competition Schedule for Beijing 2008.

National Federation

For further information go to the National Federation website.

Beijing Interactive Explorer

Get a feel for Beijing and become an expert on the venues and tourist highlights with this interactive tour