Australian sporting bodies launch unprecedented Brisbane talent search

Australians with long-term Olympic or Paralympic dreams are being urged to come forward in an unprecedented talent search.

An unprecedented youth talent search will identify and fast-track potential medal contenders ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Talented athletes who are open to switching sports will be front of mind as the Australian Sports Commission launches its Future Green and Gold campaign next month.

The ASC claimed the quest to find talent for the home Olympics would be “Australia’s greatest ever talent search”, with a new partnership between the AIS, all state sports institutes, Paralympics Australia and more than 40 sports.

Olympic kayakers Alyce Wood and Jacob Clear and more than a third of the 2024 Australian Paralympic team were unearthed in previous talent searches, the ASC said.

AIS executive general manager of performance Matti Clements said the search was intended to “significantly boost our current talent pool”, particularly in Paralympic sports.

AIS director Matti Clements (left) says the unprecedented search has the aim to ‘significantly boost’ Australia’s talent pool ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Games. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

It comes after Australia finished the Paris Games on Sunday with its lowest Paralympic medal tally position since 1988, drawing calls for more investment in talent identification and training programs.

“We have an ambitious goal to have the best Olympic and Paralympic team ever in Brisbane and to achieve this we need to significantly boost our current talent pool, in particular our para athletes” Clements said.

“Off the back of Australia’s success in Paris, this is the best time to leverage that passion and encourage eligible Australians to put their names forward.”

The search will target potential Olympic athletes between the ages of 13 and 23 and any Paralympic competitors older than 13.

No prior sporting experience will be required to be considered, while some candidates could be encouraged to switch to another sport.

Dual Olympian rower Tara Rigney successfully switched from netball after being identified by the NSW Institute of Sport in a previous talent search. Picture: Francois Nel / Getty Images

Tara Rigney made a successful transition from netball to rowing after being identified by the NSW Institute of Sport ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

“Eligible participants will be invited to their closest clinic where their strengths and skills will be measured,” a statement read.

“Those who demonstrate potential will undertake a trial with a recommended sport before being offered a position within a talent development program.”

AIS head of national athlete identification Annette Eastwood said it was an “incredibly exciting opportunity” for young Olympic hopefuls.

“We are looking for a wide range of skill sets, so I encourage all eligible Australians with Olympic or Paralympic dreams to come and give it a go,” Dr Eastwood said.

“It is our job to find hidden talent and unlock that potential – you may be a former gymnast who is perfect for cycling or new to sport entirely. All are welcome.”

Interested people can register via the AIS website at www.ausport.gov.au/talent.