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The Touchline Sports interview THE JOURNAL OF SPORT, LEISURE & RISK WITH AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE November 2023

7. What are the big issues facing the Australian and ensure that they remain relevant. Overall,
sports industry now and in the immediate our athletes are our role models for future and I
future? am pleased to say we have many of them within
athletics.
Australian sport is often categorised as one
industry, however there is a significant difference 9. Looking ahead to 2032 and the Brisbane
in the funding and commercial rights that the Olympic Games, what legacy would you like to
professional codes have over Olympic, Paralympic see from the Games?
and Commonwealth Sports. As National Sporting
Organisations, our voice must be heard at all levels Athletics needs to have access to high standard of
of Government to ensure both facilities and funding facilities post Brisbane 2032. Even Sydney Olympic
are appropriate. Park has it limitations for our athletes. Too often,
athletics has been left without world-class facilities
Victoria’s withdrawal as host of the 2026 once major events have concluded, with the venues
Commonwealth Games is a big issue for many returned to professional sports. Funding must
sports including athletics, as it is a key milestone continue to support our Olympic and Paralympic
for many athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers sports post 2032 as it can be a time when athletes
on their way to larger scale events such as the retire, but we must invest in the success of Brisbane
Olympics and Paralympics. It is a building block for 2032.
many, and it will have a significant impact on the
sport if the Games are cancelled altogether. 10. What has been your career highlight/s so far? Next Athletics is

8. We are seeing a shift in the relationship Seeing our Australian teams succeed at major
between physical activity and competitive championships is always exciting, however the real
sport. For instance, we have seen in recent highlight for me, is seeing our team’s hard work fun & flexible.
years physical education removed from school make a real difference in our sport. We have a
curriculums and trained PE teachers no longer long way to go, but the resurgence of Australian
required as members of school staff. What athletics is under way thanks to our people and the
impact do you think this will have on elite sport? key stakeholders I mentioned above. There is a real The Official Junior Program of Athletics Australia for children aged 3-12 years,
sense of collaboration building at all levels.
While that is true, we see our Sporting Schools Next Athletics, provides game-based learning in a dynamic group athletics
program continue to thrive and the interest in program. It’s where children build important athletics and life skills while building
athletics has risen substantially over the past even stronger friendships. All play, all action, all great fun. Find your Next.
three years. It is up to individual sports to evolve

Why get involved?

Local venues including indoor options

FREE participant T-shirt

45-60 minute weekly sessions

Build vital skills, including run, jump and throw.

Action packed games-based activities

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