The four-time Commonwealth Games medallist and winner of Tokyo 1964 Olympic bronze in 10,000 metres was one of the 120 inaugural athletes to be inducted in 1985.

The Legend status is the most prestigious sporting honour for Australian.

Cricket legend Shane Warne, who passed away this year, was also given the honour this year.

"Shane Warne and Ron Clarke are the true definition of Legends," said Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend and chair John Bertrand. 

"Inspirations to all Australians.

"We are thrilled to announce their well-deserved elevation to Legend status within the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

"They symbolise everything that is great about sport in Australia."

Apart from Tokyo 1964, Clarke also competed in Mexico City 1968.

His Commonwealth Games medals came at Perth 1962, Kingston 1966 and Edinburgh 1970. 

In 1965, he became the first man to run three miles under 13 minutes.

He also served as the Mayor of Gold Coast from 2004 to 2012 and played a key role as the city hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2018.