High Performance
The primary aim of the Athletics Australia High Performance Program is to be a top 10 athletics nation by 2012 (and beyond). To this end, the following initiatives have been developed:
National high performance centres
These centres are located across the country, with each focusing on individual event groups and bringing together the best athletes, their coaches, sports science experts and the best support infrastructure available.
A flexible system managed by a National Event Co-ordinator for each centre has been developed and will provide the following to athletes and personal coaches:
- Specialist coaching and training through live in camps and education sessions
- Support for athletes who choose to stay at home but wish to train at an elite level
- Coach education and a support infrastructure to take coaching in Australia to the highest level
These centres are managed in association with State Member Associations, the State Performance Coordinators at Institutes and Academies, the Australian Institute of Sport and personal coaches.
National high performance centre for 400m, hurdles and jumps (not vault)
Australian Institute of Sport
National Event Co-ordinators: Tudor Bidder (400m, high jump) and Craig Hilliard (hurdles, horizontal jumps)
National high performance centre for sprints and relays
New South Wales Institute of Sport
National Event Co-ordinator: Paul Hallam
National high performance centre for distance (800m-marathon)
Victorian Institute of Sport
National Event Co-ordinator: Tim O'Shaughnessy
Pole vault, throws and combined events do not currently have a designated national high performance centre. These are in development, but are dependent on securing additional funding.
The National Development Pathway is Athletics Australia’s commitment to identifying, developing and nurturing talented young athletes. It provides structured opportunities for talented young athletes to train together under expert junior coaches to help them develop into world-class senior athletes. This program is under the guidance of National Youth Performance Manager Sara Mulkearns and a group of National Youth Event Coaches.
Athletics Australia’s coach education and development program is a new initiative, which will further the coach development offered by the national high performance centres. Michael Poulton, the National Coaching Co-ordinator, will work with the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association and individual personal coaches to provide opportunities for committed elite level coaches to develop to a world-class level.Further Information
- National high performance centres
The objective of the national high performance centres is to provide an elite training environment for Australia's top-level athletes across all athletics disciplines. - National Development Pathway
The National Development Pathway identifies, assists and encourages talented junior athletes across Australia through centralised training and educational opportunities. - High Performance Contact Form
If you have any questions or comments on the information provided in this section please use this form to contact the Athletics Australia High Performance department - Athletics Australia names IAAF committee nominees
Athletics Australia is pleased to announce its nominations for the IAAF Committees to be elected at the IAAF's 46th Congress on August 22-23 in Osaka, Japan. - Permits for athletes competing overseas
As per IAAF Rule 4, all Australian athletes competing overseas require a permit from Athletics Australia to compete. - Travel insurance for athletes competing overseas
Athletics Australia's insurance policy for nominated athletes. - High performance news, selection criteria and teams information
Information for elite athletes and coaches, covering high performance and team preparation news and links to specific event selection policies. This section contains all relevant and current selection criteria for Australian teams. - Invitations and opportunities
Athletes are invited to compete abroad through opportunities made available to Athletics Australia. - Athletics Australia Paralympic Preparation Program
The Athletics Australia Paralympic Preparation Program prepares the Athletics team for the Paralympic Games. - VIS Athletics Track and Field selection policy and application form
Download the VIS Athletics Track and Field selection policy and application form here. Note that applications close June 6, 2008 and current scholarship holders do not need to re-apply.
