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AIS Canberra site records its busiest week since pre-pandemic

05 December 2023

For many the end of year wind down has begun, but for Australia’s top athletes the show must go on with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) campus in Canberra recording its busiest week since March 2020.

Wheelchair basketballers high five on court.
The Australian Rollers Wheelchair Basketball team were at the AIS last week for a five-day training camp. (Image source: Basketball Australia)

Over the past week more than 390 athletes from 12 sports, including bowls, archery, and shooting, descended upon the AIS for national and international training camps.

Two-time Paralympian Paige Leonhardt was on site for a weeklong camp with the Para-Dolphins and said she loved the buzz around site.

“My favourite part of the camp was getting to mingle with so many different athletes from different sports at the dining hall - there was a great atmosphere on site and among the athletes,” Leonhardt said.

“The support staff at the physio and treatment centre were incredible and it was great to have access to equipment tailored for my rehab needs – there was even a Pilates reformer!”

Para swimmers sitting and standing on edge of pool smiling.
60 Para-Dolphins utilised the AIS Canberra site for the six-day Swimming Australia Senior National Para Camp. (Image source: Paige Leonhardt)

The Paddle Australia Men’s Sprint Program worked with the AIS Engineering and Performance Services team throughout their four-day camp to improve their starting performance.

Making use of the high performance pool, the AIS team tested different rudders on the boat and performed biomechanical analysis to help the crews sharpen their starting times.

Men's Four Crew in boat in AIS high performance pool with staff watching on.
The Australian Men's Four Crew used the high performance pool to test their newly fitted rudder.

Executive General Manager of AIS Operations Gary Elix said the AIS Canberra site will continue to be extremely busy in the lead up to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The AIS will be bustling with activity in the first quarter of 2024 with over 36 different sporting groups booked to stay on site in January alone.

“It’s the ‘one-stop shop’ nature of the site, providing athletes with around the clock access to world-leading facilities and resources that makes the AIS the place to be as we approach the Paris 2024 Games."

Triathlete does bicep curl with staff member supporting arm in AIS gym.
80 of Australia's top triathletes were on site last week for a National training camp. (Image source: AusTriathlon)

The AIS European Training Centre (ETC) in Gavirate, Italy will also be full to the brim with Aussie athletes in preparation for next year’s Games.

"It’s great to have our ETC facilities used in the way they are designed, that is to establish an 'Australian Village' over in Europe in the lead up to the Games, with a myriad of sports using the Italian facilities next year,” Elix said.

Gymnast upside down on bars.
The Canadian Gymnastics team joined our Aussie Gymnasts at the AIS last week for a five-day training camp. (Image source: James Bacueti)

Learn more about the AIS Canberra and ETC facilities.

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