Ian Chesterman reveals impact cost-of-living crisis is having on Paris 2024 hopefuls

The AOC chief has revealed the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on Olympic hopefuls and how they are planning to stop the issue affecting Australia’s medal hopes.

The Australian Olympic Committee president has pleaded for extra funding to help elite athletes compete during the cost-of-living crisis.

Ian Chesterman, speaking in Katherine during an Olympics Unleashed visit, said $20 million worth of federal government funding had paid dividends in qualifications for the 2024 Paris Games.

However, with the 2032 Brisbane Games looming large, he has called for extra and continued funding to help athletes as the price of everything from flights to accommodation continues to skyrocket.

“The cost of qualification has gone up enormously and that’s been a really big struggle for athletes,” Chesterman said.

“Airfares have gone up, accommodation has gone up and it’s part of what’s happened in the world over the past 18 months post-pandemic.

Ian Chesterman Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

“Fortunately, the federal government has really helped out a lot of sports with a $20m grant to help athletes qualify, and that’s greatly appreciated by the whole sports system.

“Then we have the challenge to build on that to make sure Brisbane 2032 is successful.

“That’s going to take another increase in investment if we want our team to be successful.”

A successful home Olympics is top of the agenda for Chesterman, who said the impact of a successful team would drive the next generation toward sport.

“Everyone recognises the importance of a successful home team for a home Games, so that’s motivation for everyone,” he said.

“We know an investment in Australian sport produces big dividends, great health outcomes and just great community cohesion, which is so important in this time.

“Our mission is to work with our sports to provide the best possible outcome for these athletes to have the best day on their biggest day.”

Jessica Fox checks out her ticket to Paris. Picture: Mike Owen/Getty Images

It comes one year out from the 2024 Paris Olympics, for which Australian athletes, particularly swimmers, are already showing they are going to be among the medals.

For some, the Olympics next year will be their first in front of crowds following the Covid-affected Tokyo Games.

“Everyone’s really excited about Paris,” Chesterman said.

“They are going to be a great Games off the back of Tokyo, which was an extraordinary games in the middle of a global pandemic.

“But in Tokyo there weren’t people in the crowd, there weren’t friends and family, and I know they are looking forward to heading to Paris to compete in packed houses, which they deserve.”

Chesterman has spent the week in Katherine with Olympians such as Mack Horton, Brad Hore and Natalie Burton to spread the Olympic message in remote communities.

The Olympians have shared stories of the journeys and hardships they went through to achieve their dreams in the hope of inspiring the next generation.

“The really important thing for us is to spread the power of our Olympic movement and the power of our Olympians right across the country,” Chesterman said.

“It’s particularly important for us to work in Indigenous communities, using our First Nations Olympians to come here and inspire kids to pursue their dreams.

“I love watching the Olympians because I watch the students they are talking to and the way their eyes light up when hearing about the trials and tribulations someone has been through.

“I also love what it does for our Olympians because they love coming here and sharing their message.

“Even if they are retired they can still share that powerful message.”

Originally published as Ian Chesterman reveals impact cost-of-living crisis is having on Paris 2024 hopefuls