The phenomenal achievements of Australia’s Olympic athletes is testament to the success of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra and the tremendous benefits of the Olympic Athlete Program, Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Kate Lundy, said today.
“Our athletes have excelled in many different sports and events, and this success is due in large part to the AIS and the Olympic Athlete Program (OAP), initiated by Labor in 1993 after Sydney was awarded the 2000 Olympic Games”, Senator Lundy said.
“The Olympic Athlete Program in particular has given the AIS the funding base to prepare our athletes, coaches, sports scientists and administrators for Sydney.
Over 200 Australian Olympic athletes are AIS scholarships holders who have been assisted through OAP, including:
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Cathy Freeman (Gold, women’s 400 m)
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Simon Fairweather (Gold, men’s individual archery)
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Michelle Ferris (Silver, women’s cycling)
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Brad McGee (Bronze, men’s track cycling)
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Shane Kelly (Bronze, men’s cycling)
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Gary Niewand (Silver, men’s cycling)
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Kate Slatter & Rachel Taylor (Silver, rowing)
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Simon Burgess, Darren Balmforth, Rob Richards, Anthony Edwards, Chris Ryan, Alastair Gordon, Nick Porzig, Robert Jahrling, Michael McKay, Stuart Welsh, Daniel Burke Jamie Fernandez, Brett Haymen (Silver, rowing)
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Annemarie Forder (Bronze, women’s air pistol)
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Petria Thomas (Silver & Bronze, swimming)
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Michael Klim (2 x Gold, 2 x Silver, swimming)
And many team members of: Women’s basketball; Men’s basketball; Women’s hockey; Men’s hockey; Women’s water polo and Men’s water polo.
“With many events still to be completed, there will be more AIS athletes who will achieve personal bests and hopefully more medals for Australia.
“The AIS should be very proud of the magnificent contribution they have made to Australia’s sporting success and the overall success of the Sydney 2000 Olympics”, Senator Lundy said.
Contact: Simon Tatz on 02-6277 3334 or 0418 488295
