Category: Australian Institute of Sport
-
AIS support of regional athletes 1981 to 2013
By Greg Blood The establishment of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in 1981 has greatly assisted in regional athletes being significant contributors to the success of Australia in international sporting arena. In recent years, on a voluntary basis, I have created alumni websites for six AIS inaugural sports – athletics, basketball, men’s football, netball, gymnastics and…
australiansportreflections
-
My 50 ‘Best of the Best’ Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship Athletes
Celebrating the 40th AIS Anniversary by Greg Blood The Australian Institute of Sport celebrates its 40th anniversary on 26 January 2021. It was opened by Prime Minister Malcom Fraser by unveiling John Robinson’s ‘Acrobats’ statue. The establishment of the AIS has been one of the most significant developments in Australian sport – taking Australia from…
australiansportreflections
-
Australian Institute of Sport – a national ‘living’ icon
Reflections by Ron Harvey CVO AM – 3rd Director of the AIS (1987-1989) With the passing of Don Talbot this year, I am the oldest living AIS Director and I thought it worthwhile to reflect on the AIS with its 40th anniversary on Australia Day. For over 40 years, I held senior Federal Government positions…
australiansportreflections
-
Australian Institute of Sport alumni inducted into Sport Australia Hall of Fame – Who be in a list of Best 40 Athletes 1981-2013 ?
by Greg Blood Many Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) alumni have been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame since 2000. To celebrate the AIS 40th anniversary on 26 January 2021, I am aiming to compile a list of the Best 40 AIS athletes to celebrate this important occasion. Recently the Sport Australia Hall…
australiansportreflections
-
Vale Don Talbot AO OBE – reflecting on his contribution to the Australian Institute of Sport and high performance sport
by Greg Blood You will see many wonderful and deserving tributes on the late Don Talbot’s swimming coaching career but I would like to focus on his contribution to high performance sport in Australia, particularly the development of the Australian Institute of Sport. Many will know that John Bloomfield’s 1973 report The Role, Scope and Development of…
australiansportreflections
-
Contribution of Overseas Coaches to the AIS and Australian Sport
By Greg Blood The recent passing of former AIS Swimming Coach Gennadi Touretski made me reflect on the contribution of overseas coaches to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Australian high performance sport system since 1981. In 1981, inaugural AIS Head Coaches included four overseas highly credentialled coaches – Kelvin Giles (athletics from England),…
australiansportreflections
-
Vale Peter Bowman – ‘Unsung’ Pioneer AIS Administrator
By Greg Blood With the recent death of Peter Bowman, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) lost one of its founding staff. I have great memories of Bowman’s 20 years at the AIS and this includes the first time I met him – my interview in early 1983 for the librarian position at the AIS…
australiansportreflections
-
What is the future of ‘Sport 2030’ in the post COVID19 world?
By Greg Blood In May 2018, I published the article How long can the proposed National Sports Plan survive? It is worthwhile to revisit Sport 2030 , known as the National Sports Plan, due to changes in Australian sport leadership, undetermined Australian Government decisions and significant impact of COVID-19 on sport as well as other parts…
australiansportreflections
-
The Winning Diet : Australian Institute of Sport’s Nutrition Dept. Contribution to Australian Sport
By Greg Blood. I have recently reflected on the fact that the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has had several long-term leaders that have made significant contributions to their professional discipline and to Australian sport. Professor Louise Burke is one of them. This article will outline from my perspective the reasons why AIS Nutrition lead…
australiansportreflections
-
The Relationship between the Australian Olympic Committee and the Australian Sports Commission
By Greg Blood. Orginally published in Sporting Traditions, V35 (1) May 2018 Since the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Australian Sports Commission (ASC) have had several very public disagreements regarding the funding and direction of high performance sport. In 1980, the Fraser Government requested the then Australian Olympic Federation to boycott…