AOC President Ian Chesterman said that Parker and Duncan's efforts after their careers "have made a huge difference for those who followed."

"Sam and Bob have both put in an extraordinary amount of time and energy to serve the sports they loved in very different capacities," Chesterman said. 

"Like so many Olympians, their sustained contributions after their athletic careers finished, have made a huge difference for those who followed.

"While competing as an athlete in 1960, Sam attended 11 Olympic Games in a variety of capacities including coaching and as a section manager.

"As a coach, he is Australia’s most successful at all levels of the sport.

"Bob took on the establishment in rowing, convincing the world governing body that world championship events could be officiated by starters who were not Europeans.

"He paved the way for Australian umpires to be well represented at all international events.

"I am delighted each has been acknowledged in this way for their work and the example they have set."

Duncan took part in the rowing tournament at Melbourne 1956 in the coxed pair, while Parker was a wrestler who took to the mats at Rome 1960.

After his career, Duncan was an umpire at the state, national and World Championship level.

He retired in 2007 after 50 years of umpiring.

Meanwhile, Parker was a coach after his athletic career and helped develop wresting in Australia.