Cyclist and rowing champion to become head of Victoria’s first Office for Women in Sport

SHE has shattered cycling records and dominated Australian rowing. Now Bridie O’Donnell is blazing new ground in women’s sport.

Bridie O’Donnell will become the head of Victoria’s first Office for Women in Sport.

A TRAILBLAZING athlete and doctor will on Saturday be announced as the leader of a new Victorian strategy to deliver an equal playing field for female sport.

Record-breaking cyclist and seven-time national rowing champion Bridie O’Donnell will become the head of Victoria’s first Office for Women in Sport.

She said she was honoured by her appointment to a role aimed at creating equal rights in sports and recreation clubs.

“I cannot wait to get on with changing the face of sport and recreation so that women and girls can see a future in sport that welcomes their skills, passion and participation,’’ Dr O’Donnell said.

The new agency will focus on identifying policies and infrastructure needed to create more female friendly sporting environments in Victoria.

Bridie O’Donnell will become the head of Victoria’s first Office for Women in Sport.

It will focus on identifying policies and infrastructure needed to create more female friendly sporting environments in Victoria.

“We are going to do everything we can to support women in leadership roles, in both elite and grassroots sport, on and off the field, to ensure sport welcomes every Victorian no matter their gender,’’ she said.

Dr O’Donnell represented Australia at three world championships in cycling after taking it up aged 35.

She is also a respected voice in the medical world and is credited with inspiring female cancer patients to improve their health through exercise.

Sports Minister John Eren said her “extensive experience’’ in elite sport made her the perfect leader to improve gender equality.

“Women’s sport is more popular than ever and we can’t wait to see Bridie lead from the front to change our game,” he said.

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