NSWIS axes programs for hockey, track cycling, triathlon and archery as funding crisis deepens

Just three months after the Paris Olympics – and eight years before Brisbane hosts in 2032 – four iconic sports have had their programs cut as a savage funding crisis engulfs Australian sport.

So much for that warm and fuzzy feeling Australians have for Olympic sports after the team’s gold medal winning performances that inspire the nation.

Just a little over three months since the Games drew to a close in the French capital – and less than eight years before Brisbane hosts the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics – the guillotine has already come down on a handful of popular sports.

The funding crisis facing Australian sport means there’s never enough cash to go around but these latest cuts will deeply impact sports that provided some of the greatest lasting memories when Sydney hosted the Olympics in 2000.

This masthead has learnt that four sports have had their programs cut by the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS): track cycling, hockey, triathlon and archery.

The Hockeyroos won Olympic gold in 2000 at Sydney Olympics Park. Picture: Supplied

NSWIS has defended its decision to cut the four sporting programs, saying it was a long held common practice to review the performances of all sports, and the money would be channelled into other sports, including skating, surfing and swimming.

NSWIS also said that while hundreds of talented athletes were still being funded, individual athletes whose sports were cut could still be eligible for individual sponsorships to add to any federal funding they receive.

“The New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) supports over 400 athletes from Olympic and Paralympic sports across 15 sport programs and an Individual Athlete Program,” a spokesman for NSWIS said.

“At the end of each four-year cycle, a cycle being in-line with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, NSWIS works with National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) to determine which sports the Institute will partner with for the new cycle.

“This has been the situation since NSWIS commenced operations in 1996.”

The Dunc Gray Velodrome where Scott McGrory and Brett Aitken won gold in the Madison at the Sydney Olympics is facing an uncertain future. Picture: Supplied

But the sports they were left out were all bitterly disappointed at the decision, and have called for a rethink, saying the cuts will hurt future Olympians that might have represented Australia at Brisbane.

AusCycling issued a scathing statement pointing the finger of blame at the NSW state government for no longer funding the upkeep of the Dunc Gray Velodrome, where Brett Aitken and Scott McGrory teamed up to win gold for Australia in the Madison at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner said the NSW Office of Sport had “abandoned responsibility” for the venue by handing management of the facility to Bankstown Council knowing it couldn’t afford to maintain it.

“If this facility continues to be ignored and de-prioritised, NSW risks becoming the only state in Australia without an indoor velodrome, a terrible outcome for Australia’s most populous state,” Fechner said.

Triathlon another sport made famous in Sydney, has also had their funding cut. Picture: David Caird. Sydney 2000 A/CT sport action profile olympics

While track cycling and the other impacted sports will still be funded in different Australian states, and through the federal government, the financial losses in NSW could not come at a worse time.

Already gutted by the news hockey had been left off the program for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Hockey Australia (HA) said it was holding out hope that an amicable solution could be found, given its attachment to Sydney after the Hockeyroos won gold for Australia in 2000.

“We will continue to engage with NSWIS, with both parties keen to keep the communication channels open to ensure we are ready to explore future opportunities,” HA said.

“HA and Hockey NSW are committed to the NSW pathway. We will do all we can for our current athletes and those aspiring to be a part of our programs.”

Archery’s bond with Sydney is also being targeted with plans to replace the archery at Sydney with “playgrounds and hardcourts”.

Simon Fairweather is the only Australian archer to win Olympic gold, but where he won that famous medal is now under threat. Picture: Supplied

Australia has only ever won one Olympic gold medal in the bow and arrow sport but that was in 2000 when Simon Fairweather hit the bullseye and the Sydney club, with over 300 members, still produces Olympians and Paralympians.

Australians captured a record 58 medals in total at Sydney. The first medal, a silver, was won by triathlete Michellie Jones on the opening morning of competition.

Like hockey, triathlon is still reeling from being omitted from the Commonwealth Games and hoping for another solution to aid talented triathletes from NSW after being told its funding was being cut.

“We’re working closely with NSWIS to ensure that where possible, our athletes can continue to be supported through the individual scholarship program,” AusTriathlon CEO Tim Harradine said.

“This situation reflects the changing nature of sport partnerships and disparities from Institute to Institute.”

Originally published as NSWIS axes programs for hockey, track cycling, triathlon and archery as funding crisis deepens