Category: Uncategorized
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Stocktake of Australian sport CEO’s 2000-2025 – Updated 3 December 2025
By Greg Blood The departures of CEO’s in 2020 from significant Australian sports organisations – ASC, cricket, rugby union, rugby league, golf and equestrian – made me reflect in 2021 on the level of turnover and experience of CEO’s since 2000. The information listed was obtained from annual reports, websites, news releases and LinkedIn profiles.…
australiansportreflections
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Reflecting on David Crawford’s Contribution to the Australian Sport System
By Greg Blood The recent passing of David Crawford AO made me reflect on four sport reviews that he authored or chaired that have impacted on sport in Australia. For many of those that worked in sports administration from 1990 to 2011, the name David Crawford became synonymous with sport governance and the organisation of…
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Movement of Australian Olympic and Paralympic Athletes Between Nations : Historical Insights
By Greg Blood The movement of 2024 triple Olympic medallist Matthew Richardson to Great Britain has been scrutinised in the media and social media. Richardson’s move is relatively rare for an Australian high performing Olympic and Paralympic athlete. It is important to recognise Australian sport has greatly benefited from athletes from competitor nations transferring to…
australiansportreflections
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Australian Sports Commission Historical Budget Information
By Greg Blood The Australian Government’s funding to sport since 1985/86 has primarily been through allocations to the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). This compilation will assist those interested the Australian Government’s investment in sport. The Australian Government also allocates funding to Sport Integrity Australia and the Office of Sport located in the Federal Dept responsible…
australiansportreflections
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My career in sport information and sport history: reflecting on the AIS and ASC’s long-time support for the provision of access to sport knowledge to the Australian sport sector.
Greg Blood My induction into the University of Canberra Sport Walk of Fame has made me reflect on the long-time support of the Australian Institute of Sport and Australian Sports Commission to sport information in Australia. Like many children growing up in Australia, I developed an early interest in sport and tried many sports before…
australiansportreflections
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From Sporting Cripples to Powerful Advocates – How the Paralympic Movement Arrived at its Alcott Moment.
By Greg Blood and Tony Naar The announcement of Dylan Alcott as 2022 Australian of the Year is a significant milestone. Alcott became the first Australian with a visible disability to be awarded this honour. Not only that, but Alcott is a Paralympian, the first to be honoured as Australian of the Year in the…
australiansportreflections
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Reflecting on Australian Sport in 2021 – Another Year of Living with Covid
By Greg Blood 2021 was another difficult year for athletes, coaches and administrators. It is worthwhile documenting how Australian sport managed the many obstacles thrown up by COVID and the achievements of Australian athletes and teams. A major change during 2021 has been Sport Integrity Australia taking charge of major integrity issues that have beset…
australiansportreflections
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2000 Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games Power Brokers: Why to Expect Many Changes in 2032 Brisbane’s Journey
By Greg Blood It is just over ten years until the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane and South East Queensland. If the 2000 Sydney Games are any guide, there will be significant turnover of political and administrative power brokers over this period. Documented are the power broker changes during the lead up – 1993…
australiansportreflections
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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
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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