Sports tally for the year 2016 – No - ausport.gov.au · sports tally for the year 2016 NO. ii. 1 contents setting the scene 3 a podium view 4 ... So at the conclusion of the 2016–17

i

sports tally for the year 2016

NO.

ii

1

contents

setting the scene 3

a podium view 4

Australia’s Winning Edge Olympic champions 6

Australia’s Winning Edge Paralympic champions 8

Australia’s Winning Edge world champions 11

Australia’s Winning Edge Paralympic world champions 12

notable international performances 13

the tally 14

2017 benchmark event targets 52

governance 56

1

22

33

setting the scene

The AIS is a division of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the Australian Government’s peak body for sport.

As Australia’s strategic high performance sport agency, the AIS is responsible and accountable for leading the delivery of Australia’s international sporting success. In 2012, the AIS launched Australia’s Winning Edge 2012–2022, a national strategy outlining ambitious international performance targets for Australia over the next decade.

In order to deliver success under Australia’s Winning Edge, a sharper, more robust national funding and accountability model has been introduced. Investment was prioritised to sports that demonstrate the greatest chance of short, medium and long-term success and sports that have the capability to deliver.

4

a podium view

As we commence the new Summer Olympic and Paralympic cycle towards Tokyo 2020, I would like to acknowledge the effort and commitment of the sector over the past four years.

No athlete does it alone and, in celebrating the triumphs of our athletes, we also recognise the contribution of coaches, support staff, administrators, family members and friends on those sporting journeys.

There were many great moments and remarkable performances during the Rio cycle, culminating in the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Who can forget the challenge faced by Kim Brennan in the heats of the single scull, where she almost came out of the boat, only to go on and ultimately triumph in the final by more than a boat length. Chloe Esposito ripped through the field in the final stages of the Modern Pentathlon, to claim gold, while sailor Tom Burton’s comeback victory was equally impressive. Catherine Skinner maintained her composure to win gold in the trap shooting, while the women’s 4x100m swimming team defended their Olympic title. The Aussie Women’s Rugby Seven’s Team also made history, winning the sport’s inaugural Olympic gold medal.

The Australian Paralympic Team truly delivered against expectations in Rio, maintaining a top-five position for the sixth consecutive Games - since Atlanta 1996. Australians were inspired by the journey of Curtis McGrath, who overcame life-changing injuries he’s suffered during service in Afghanistan to win gold in the Canoe KL2 event. Dylan Alcott claimed two gold medals in 24 hours, winning both the singles and doubles Wheelchair Tennis events. The Aussie Steelers wheelchair rugby team delivered back–to-back Paralympic gold medals.

These are but a few of the stories from the last four years to celebrate. Australia’s final medal tally at the Rio Olympics did not match international forecasts, but there were some promising signs for the future. The Australian team:

> Increased the number of sports that won medals from the previous Games

> Increased the number of athletes who finished 4th to 8th place

> Arrested a slide in gold medals, matching the eight golds achieved in London 2012.

Olympic results since 2000

0

2000 2004

GOLD SILVER BRONZE 4TH–8TH

2008 2012 2016

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

17

17

6576

66 627117

1210

2516

15

15 1116 17 14

8 8

Number of sports with medals

0

2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

4

8

12

16

20

20

14 1411 12

Preparations are now well underway for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we cannot wait for 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in our own back yard.

5

Looking ahead

Australia’s winter athletes continued their strong form by claiming five medals at the 2017 World Championships. This performance equalled Australia’s best medal haul in 2011, although the medals were won across a greater spread of sports. Australia’s medal winners included: Britt Cox (gold, moguls); Scott James (gold, half-pipe); Danielle Scott (silver, aerials); David Morris (bronze, aerials) and Alex Pullin (bronze, snowboard cross).

Britt Cox became the first Australian to capture a world championship in the Olympic format moguls and also claimed the overall World Cup series title. Scott James defended his 2013 world championship title, only the second Australian to become a two-time winter sport world champion. Scott also won his respective overall World Cup series title.

Prior to the 2017 World Championships, Australian athletes had won a total of 34 medals, including 16 gold across the 2016–17 World Cup events. So at the conclusion of the 2016–17 winter international season, Australia had won 39 medals – the most world medals won by Australian athletes in one year. It compares well against the results achieved in the 2012–13 pre-Olympic year before the Sochi Winter Olympics, when Australian athletes won a total of 25 medals, including four World Championship medals.

Australia’s Paralympic winter athletes also performed well in 2017. At the 2017 World Championships Mitchell Gourley won gold in the men’s standing super-combined and Joany Badenhorst two bronze medals in the women’s standing snowboard cross and banked slalom. Triple world champion in 2015, Melissa Perrine and guide Andrew Bor, did not compete due to Melissa’s university commitments, instead competing at the World Cup Final and Paralympic Games test event in PyeongChang. At that event they won two silver and three gold medals. Significantly, they won medals in all four alpine disciplines: slalom, giant slalom, super G and downhill.

Melissa Perrine and Mitchell Gourley both won the overall World Cup series titles in their respective events.

At the conclusion of the 2016–17 international season three athletes have emerged as strong medal prospects for PyeongChang 2018: Melissa Perrine (with guide Andrew Bor) and Mitchell Gourley in Alpine Skiing and Joany Badenhorst in Snowboard Cross.

The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in particular offer a wonderful opportunity for Australian athletes and sports to showcase themselves at home. The close working relationship between the AIS and Commonwealth Games Australia will ensure the Australian athletes and sports are well supported at the Gold Coast.

As one Olympic cycle concludes, another commences. Australia is now fully immersed in the next preparation phase towards Tokyo in 2020. The biggest responsibility for the AIS and the Australian high performance sector is to ensure our resources are aligned with delivering podium success.

There is a genuine commitment to continuous improvements across the sector and the journey to Tokyo is well underway.

Matt Favier Director AIS

6

Australia’s Winning Edge Olympic medallists 2016

Sport Name/team Event

Gold Modern Pentathlon Chloe Esposito Modern Pentathlon

Gold Rowing Kim Brennan Single Sculls

Gold Rugby 7s Women’s 7s team Women’s event

Gold Sailing Tom Burton Laser

Gold Shooting Catherine Skinner Women’s Trap

Gold Swimming Bronte Campbell Cate Campbell Madison Wilson Brittany Elmslie Emma McKeon

4 x 100m Freestyle

Gold Swimming Kyle Chalmers 100m Freestyle

Gold Swimming Mack Horton 400m Freestyle

Silver Athletics Jared Tallent 50km Race Walk

Silver Cycling Jack Bobridge Alexander Edmondson Michael Hepburn Callum Scotson Sam Welsford

Team Pursuit

Silver Rowing Alexander Belonogoff Karsten Forsterling Cameron Girdlestone James McRae

Quad Sculls

Silver Rowing Joshua Booth Joshua Dunkley-Smith Alexander Hill William Lockwood

Fours

Silver Sailing Iain Jensen Nathan Outteridge

49er

Silver Sailing Lisa Darmanin Jason Waterhouse

Nacra

Silver Sailing Mathew Belcher Will Ryan

470

Silver Swimming Cate Campbell Brittany Elmslie Madeline Groves Emma McKeon Taylor McKeown Emily Seebohm Madison Wilson

4 x 100m Medley Relay

Silver Swimming Jessica Ashwood Bronte Barratt Tamsin Cook Emma McKeon Leah Neale

4 x 200m Freestyle

Silver Swimming Madeline Groves 200m Butterfly

Silver Swimming Mitch Larkin 200m Backstroke

7


Bronze Archery Alec Potts Ryan Tyack Taylor Worth

Team Event

Bronze Athletics Dane Bird-Smith 20km Walk

Bronze Canoe Slalom Jessica Fox K1

Bronze Canoe Sprint Lachlan Tame Ken Wallace

K2 1000m

Bronze Cycling Anna Meares Keirin

Bronze Diving Maddison Keeney Anabelle Smith

Synchronised 3m Springboard

Bronze Equestrian Chris Burton Sam Griffiths Shane Rose Stuart Tinney

Team Eventing

Bronze Swimming Emma McKeon 200m Freestyle

Bronze Swimming Matt Abood Kyle Chalmers James Magnussen James Roberts Cameron McEvoy

4 x 100m Freestyle

Bronze Swimming Mitch Larkin Cameron McEvoy David Morgan Jake Packard Kyle Chalmers

4 x 100m Medley Relay

8

Australia’s Winning Edge Paralympic medallists 2016


Gold Athletics Brayden Davidson Men’s Long Jump T36

Gold Athletics James Turner Men’s 800m T36

Gold Athletics Scott Reardon Men’s 100m T42

Gold Canoe Curtis McGrath Men’s KL2 Sprint

Gold Cycling Road Carol Cooke Women’s Time Trial T1–2

Gold Cycling Road Carol Cooke Women’s Road Race T1–2

Gold Cycling Track David Nicholas Men’s 3km Pursuit C3

Gold Sailing Colin Harrison Russell Boaden Jonathan Harris

3-Person Sonar

Gold Sailing Daniel Fitzgibbon Leisl Tesch

2-Person SKUD18

Gold Swimming Brenden Hall Men’s 400m Freestyle S9

Gold Swimming Ellie Cole Women’s 100m Backstroke S9

Gold Swimming Ellie Cole Lakeisha Patterson Maddison Elliott Ashleigh McConnell

Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay 34pts

Gold Swimming Lakeisha Patterson Women’s 400m Freestyle S8

Gold Swimming Maddison Elliott Women’s 100m Freestyle S8

Gold Swimming Maddison Elliott Women’s 50m Freestyle S8

Gold Swimming Rachael Watson Women’s 50m Freestyle S4

Gold Swimming Tiffany Thomas Kane Women’s 100m Breaststroke SB6

Gold Swimming Timothy Disken Men’s 100m Freestyle S9

Gold Triathlon Katie Kelly (guide — Michellie Jones)

Women’s PT5

Gold Wheelchair Rugby Ryley Batt Chris Bond Cameron Carr Andrew Edmondson Nazim Erdem Ben Fawcett Andrew Harrison Josh Hose Jason Lees Matt Lewis Ryan Scott (c) Jayden Warn

Gold Wheelchair Tennis Dylan Alcott Men’s Quad Singles

Gold Wheelchair Tennis Dylan Alcott Heath Davidson

Men’s Quad Doubles

9


Silver Athletics Deon Kenzie Men’s 1500m T38

Silver Athletics Evan O’Hanlon Men’s 100m T38

Silver Athletics Isis Holt Women’s 100m T35

Silver Athletics Isis Holt Women’s 200m T35

Silver Athletics Kurt Fearnley Men’s Marathon T54

Silver Athletics Madison de Rozario Women’s 800m T53

Silver Athletics Rheed McCracken Men’s 100m T34

Silver Athletics Taylor Doyle Women’s Long Jump T38

Silver Athletics Angela Ballard Madison de Rozario Jemima Moore Christie Dawes

Women’s 4x400m Relay T53/54

Silver Canoe Sprint Amanda Reynolds Women’s KL3

Silver Cycling Road Alistair Donohoe Men’s Time Trial C5

Silver Cycling Road Kyle Bridgwood Men’s Time Trial C4

Silver Cycling Road Stuart Tripp Men’s Time Trial H5

Silver Cycling Track Alistair Donohoe Men’s C5 4000m Individual Pursuit

Silver Cycling Track Amanda Reid Women’s C1–3 500m Time Trial

Silver Cycling Track Kyle Bridgwood Men’s C4 4000m Individual Pursuit

Silver Cycling Track Susan Powell Women’s C4 3000m Individual Pursuit

Silver Rowing Erik Horrie AS Men’s Single Sculls ASM1x

Silver Sailing Matthew Bugg 1-Person 2.4mR

Silver Swimming Blake Cochrane Men’s 100m Breaststroke SB7

Silver Swimming Brenden Hall Men’s 100m Freestyle S9

Silver Swimming Ellie Cole Women’s 400m Freestyle S9

Silver Swimming Ellie Cole Women’s 50m Freestyle S9

Silver Swimming Ellie Cole Madeleine Scott Maddison Elliott Lakeisha Patterson

Women’s 4 x 100m Medley Relay 34 points

Silver Swimming Lakeisha Patterson Women’s 100m Freestyle S8

Silver Swimming Lakeisha Patterson Women’s 50m Freestyle S8

Silver Swimming Maddison Elliot Women’s 100m Backstroke S8

Silver Swimming Monique Murphy Women’s 400m Freestyle S10

Silver Swimming Timothy Disken Men’s 50m Freestyle S9

Silver Table Tennis Sam von Einem Men’s Table Tennis Singles Class 11

10


Bronze Archery Jonathan Milne Men’s Individual Compound — Open

Bronze Athletics Aaron Chatman Men’s High Jump T45/46/47

Bronze Athletics Angela Ballard Women’s 100m T53

Bronze Athletics Angela Ballard Women’s 400m T53

Bronze Athletics Carlee Beattie Women’s Long Jump T45/46/47

Bronze Athletics Chad Perris Men’s 100m T13

Bronze Athletics Claire Keefer Women’s Shot Put F41

Bronze Athletics Ella Pardy Isis Holt Jodi Elkington-Jones Erin Cleaver

Women’s 4 x 100m Relay T35–38

Bronze Athletics Jodi Elkington-Jones Women’s Long Jump T37

Bronze Athletics Katherine Proudfoot Women’s Shot Put F36

Bronze Athletics Kurt Fearnley Men’s 5000m T53/54

Bronze Athletics Louise Ellery Women’s Shot Put F32

Bronze Athletics Michael Roeger Men’s 1500m T45/46

Bronze Athletics Rheed McCracken Men’s 800m T33/34

Bronze Athletics Todd Hodgetts Men’s Shot Put F20

Bronze Canoe Sprint Susan Seipel Women’s KL2

Bronze Cycling Road Kieran Modra (pilot — David Edwards)

Men’s Time Trial B

Bronze Cycling Road Susan Powell Women’s Time Trial C4

Bronze Cycling Track Jessica Gallagher (pilot — Madison Janssen)

Women’s 1km Time Trial B

Bronze Swimming Brenden Hall Men’s 100m Backstroke S9

Bronze Swimming Daniel Fox Men’s 200m Freestyle S14

Bronze Swimming Ellie Cole Women’s 100m Freestyle S9

Bronze Swimming Katja Dedekind Women’s 100m Backstroke S13

Bronze Swimming Lakeisha Patterson Women’s 200m Individual Medley SM8

Bronze Swimming Matthew Levy Men’s 200m Individual Medley SM7

Bronze Swimming Tiffany Thomas Kane Women’s 50m Butterfly S6

Bronze Swimming Tiffany Thomas Kane Women’s 50m Freestyle S6

Bronze Swimming Tiffany Thomas Kane Women’s 200m Individual Medley SM6

Bronze Swimming Timothy Disken Men’s 200m Individual Medley SM9

11

Australia’s Winning Edge world champions

As at 31 December 2016

Sport Champion Event

Bowls Carla Krizanic, Natasha Scott, Rebecca Van Asch Triples

Kelsey Cottrell, Natasha Scott, Rebecca Van Asch, Fours Carla Krizanic

Karen Murphy Singles

Aaron Wilson, Brett Wilkie Pairs

Canoe slalom Jessica Fox C1

Jessica Fox, Alison Borrows, Rosalyn Lawrence C1 Team

Canoe sprint Lachlan Tame and Ken Wallace K2 500

Canoe sprint Ken Wallace K1 5000

Cycling BMX Caroline Buchanan Time Trial

Cycling Mountain Bike Caroline Buchanan Four-cross

Cycling Track Sam Welsford, Michael Hepburn, Miles Scotson, Team’s Pursuit Callum Scotson

Rebecca Wiasak Individual Pursuit

Netball Australian Netball Diamonds World Cup

Rowing Kim Brennan Single Scull

Rugby 7s Women’s Team World series

Sailing Mathew Belcher and Will Ryan 470’s

Shooting Ben Emms Fullbore Long Range

Surfing Tyler Wright World Surf League

Swimming Mitchell Larkin 100m Backstroke; 200m Backstroke

Emily Seebohm 100m Backstroke; 200m Backstroke

Bronte Campbell 50m Freestyle; 100m Freestyle

Emily Seebohm, Emma McKeon, Bronte Campbell 4x100m Freestyleand Cate Campbell (Heats: Madison Wilson, Melanie Wright, Bronte Barratt)

Winter Scotty James Snowboard Halfpipe

Laura Peel Aerial Skiing

Note — not all sports have world championships each year. Equivalent benchmark events are included in such cases; where there were no world championships in 2016, the 2015 result has rolled over for 24 months.

Australia’s Winning Edge — world champions criteria:

> All Olympic and Paralympic disciplines

> Non-Olympic/Paralympic disciplines in Foundation sports

> Peak event for other able-bodied Australia’s Winning Edge sports

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Australia’s Winning Edge Paralympic world champions

As at 31 December 2016

Sport Champion Event

Athletics

Angela Ballard

Carlee Beattie

Isis Holt

Madison de Rozario

Scott Reardon

Todd Hodgetts

T53 200m; T53 400m

T47 Long Jump

T35 100m; T35 200m

T53 800m

T42 100m

F20 Shot Put

Canoe Curtis McGrath KL2 200m

Cycling Kieran Modra (pilot — David Edwards)

Michael Gallagher

Jessica Gallagher (pilot — Madison Janssen)

Kyle Bridgwood

Carol Cooke

Alistair Donohoe

Tandem B 4km Pursuit

C5 4km Pursuit

Tandem B Sprint

C4–C5 Scratch Race; Men’s Time Trial C4

Women’s Individual Time Trial T2

Men’s Road Race C5

Rowing

Erik Horrie

Kathryn Ross and Gavin Bellis

Men’s AS Single Scull

Mixed TA Double Scull

Swimming

Maddison Elliott

Brenden Hall

Ellie Cole

Tiffany Thomas Kane

Ashleigh McConnell, Lakeisha Patterson, Maddison Elliott, Ellie Cole

S8 50m Freestyle; S8 100m Freestyle; S8 100m Backstroke

S9 400m Freestyle; S9 100m Backstroke

S9 100m Freestyle; S9 100m Backstroke

SB6 100m Breaststroke

4x100m Freestyle

Winter sports Melissa Perrine (guide — Andrew Bor) Downhill Vision Impaired; Super-G Vision Impaired; Super Combined Vision Impaired

Note — not all sports have world championships each year. Equivalent benchmark events are included in such cases; where there were no world championships in 2016, the 2015 result has rolled over for 24 months.

Australia’s Winning Edge — world champions criteria

> All Olympic and Paralympic disciplines

> Non-Olympic/Paralympic disciplines in Foundation sports

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Notable international performances

Sport Champion(s) Event

Cycling BMX Caroline Buchanan World Cup (Manchester)

World Cup (Argentina)

Cycling Road Mathew Hayman Paris-Roubaix

Diving Rhiannan Iffland 2016 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

Golf Jason Day Player’s Championship

Hockey Australian men’s team — Champions Trophy the Kookaburras

Shooting James Willett World Cup Final (Double Trap)

Swimming Brittany Elmslie World Short Course Championships (100m Freestyle)

Mitch Larkin World Short Course Championships (100m Backstroke)

Tennis Australia Green Hopman Cup (Daria Gavrilova, Nick Kyrgios)

Wheelchair Tennis Dylan Alcott Australian Open

14

the tally

15

The Sports Tally provides an annual health check on sports that receive Australia’s Winning Edge funding. This information has been derived from the Annual Sports Performance Review (ASPR) process. Each sport’s high performance progress has been given an overall rating and commentary has been included for high performance and governance. In addition, each sport’s performance has been highlighted through the 2016 benchmark event target and actual results.

The overall high performance rating considers each sport against its annual benchmark event performance, future potential and health of the sport’s high performance system. The sport-specific information and evidence is provided and reviewed in collaboration with national sporting organisations (NSO) and the National Institute Network (NIN) through the:

> high performance planning and reporting template

> 2016 benchmark event reports

> 2016 ASPR

> 2016 performance summary report.

The tally key

underperforming

significantly below expectation; solutions to challenges not identified

U

progressing

evidence of improvement; solutions to challenges being implemented

P

on track

working well across key areas; solutions to other areas well advanced in their resolution or management

0

performing

performing well in all areas; able to effectively manage new challenges to optimise performance outcomes

P

excelling

exceptional performance; seeking innovative solutions to further improve performance outcomes; setting a standard for others to aspire to

E

Comparison ranking — each sport will have a comparison ranking compared to the previous year (2015). This will provide an honest assessment of how each sport has performed over the year in comparison to the previous year.

= up = down = same

Investment — the total ASC investment and the ASC funding as a percentage of total income has been outlined for each sport. The percentage is calculated as total NSO reported ASC funding, divided by the NSO’s total reported revenue for their most recent financial year as at 30 June 2016.

Where the ASC supports a specific high performance program (e.g. wheelchair tennis) but provides the NSO with funding for broader projects, the investment amount reflects funding to the NSO as a whole.

Non-medal target — in all cases where no medal has been forecast or where the lower end of a medal range is zero, a non-medal target is agreed. For example, a non-medal target could be a fourth place or a quarter-final.

Y = yes N = no

Performance target — Sports agree to performance targets with their respective AIS performance manager, based on the sport’s key benchmark event for the year.

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archeryhigh performance 0

Total investment 2016–17: $722,200 (high performance: $600,800; participation $100,000; other: $21,400)

ASC funding as a percentage of total income: 46%

Archery Australia’s high performance program enjoyed success in 2016 with an Olympic bronze medal in the men’s team event (Alec Potts, Ryan Tyack and Taylor Worth) and a Paralympic bronze medal in the men’s open compound event (Jonathon Milne). These were the first medals for archery since the 2004 Olympic Games and 1968 Paralympic Games. Taylor Worth reached the quarter-finals for the men’s individual event. Australia’s sole competitor in the women’s individual event was struck down with illness on the day of the ranking rounds.

The continued engagement with the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) was of great benefit given the increased level of centralised training in Brisbane in the months prior to the Olympic Games. Work on athlete and coach pathways was limited while resources were focused on Olympic and Paralympic team preparations such as conducting extensive equipment research and statistical analysis of scoring trends, which provided a competitive advantage to Australian athletes in preparation for the Games.

It was identified early in the four-year cycle that given the available resources, the men’s team event was the strongest chance of medalling in Rio. Therefore, investment was specifically prioritised and targeted to that event. The connection with international teams over the cycle stimulated the domestic training environment while the para-archery program was specifically based around one athlete (Jonathon Milne) in Sydney, who was identified 18 months prior to the Rio Paralympic Games.

Governance commentary

Archery Australia must improve the gender balance of its board as a priority. In addition, a review and updated constitution would see it become more compliant with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. Archery Australia has commenced an ASC board evaluation and will benefit from implementing the recommendations.

2016 benchmark event // Olympic Games

medal target 0–1

actual gold 0 silver 0 bronze 1 total 1

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athleticshigh performance P

high performance (para) 0

Total investment 2016–17: $8,657,706 (high performance: $6,496,052; high performance — para $1,611,654; participation $450,000; other: $100,000)


Although able-bodied athletics continues to be rated as progressing and para-athletics as on-track, steps have been made in a variety of areas to improve performances in the medium to long term. Athletics Australia has undergone several comprehensive reviews during the Rio cycle that resulted in changes to its structure and senior personnel. New systems have been introduced to increase objectivity and accountability for performance. Considerable progress has been made with assessing and benchmarking athlete performances and the support requirements of the daily training environment.

2016 saw a heavy focus on team delivery for the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. The sport worked to create a high performance team culture with a focus on performing at benchmark events. Athletics came away from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with two medals and an increased number of top-eight and top-16 results compared with London and Beijing.

The para-athletics team won three gold medals at the Rio Paralympics, against a target of eight, and slightly exceeded its overall medal target of 20–25 with 26. The emergence of previously unknown athletes from other nations and our own conversion of top-eight performances to medals were again challenging.

The National Athlete Support Structure has introduced a clear structure for the categorisation of athletes and an objective framework for decisions concerning their support, based on consistent performance data. Athletics Australia recognises the need to work more with personal coaches to prioritise athletes’ abilities to peak at benchmark events, particularly through reducing time lost to injury and illness. It has already begun work on better engaging with individual coaches to improve alignment and to design and implement a top-down coach development model and a sustainable coach career pathway.

Athletics considers the implementation of a national service provider framework with each daily training environment for the 2020 cycle a priority and has already implemented a state coordinator model.

The high performance and program development teams are working with AIS Pathways to review and consider a whole-of-sport approach to the athlete pathway.


Athletics Australia is progressing with governance reform and has been working to make the necessary changes in line with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles (MSGP). It has further strengthened alignment with Little Athletics Australia, and increased engagement with stakeholders in the development of their strategic direction. Athletics needs to pursue unified behaviours and the redrafting of its constitution to further align with the MSGP.


medal target 2–4


2016 Paralympic benchmark event // Paralympic Games

medal target 20–25


18

Australian Paralympic Committee managed sportBoccia P

Goalball U

Wheelchair rugby P

Total investment 2016–17: $3,601,728 — this includes $2,520,522 for APC operations, $300,000 for participation, $724,206 for Paralympic sports managed by the APC and $57,000 in other funding.


As well as overseeing the preparation of the Australian team for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and the delivery of cross-sector programs, the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) directly manages three Australia’s Winning Edge high performance programs:

Wheelchair Rugby

The program achieved its target of a gold medal at the Rio Paralympics, defending its title from London. The program has good leadership from its head coach, and sound strategy and support underpinning its success. The level of competition at the 2016 Games was the closest yet with all games between the top-five teams decided by very small margins, and several going into overtime. Planning across the four-year cycle by the head coach and support staff ensured the team had enough high-quality athletes and embedded team tactics to succeed. The coach and support staff engaged the NIN throughout the Paralympic cycle to ensure athletes received the required support in their daily training environments.

Boccia

The program’s low resource base continues to limit its growth and presents challenges to adequately support its high performance activities. Nevertheless, in 2016 it qualified Dan Michel for Rio, Australia’s first Paralympic representative since the Sydney 2000 Games. He finished 15th in the BC3 classification. Resourcing for coaching in the daily training environment will need to be addressed in order to be successful in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games cycle.

Goalball

The Australian women’s team qualified late f or Rio, after the exclusion of Russia. The program came close to realising its top-eight objective f or the 2013–2016 cycle finishing ninth in Rio. This was a credible result given its lack of preparation, tying 2-all with the Ukraine and then defeated 2–5 by China. Considerable work is required on the sport’s underpinning structures to give it a better prospect of achieving high performance outcomes during the Tokyo cycle.


The APC is progressing with its governance reform and has been working to make the necessary changes in line with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles, including improved gender balance and the development o a three-year strategic plan. A key action f or the next 12 months is to appoint an external and independent chartered accountant or certified practising accountant to the audit and risk committee. The APC will also benefit from conducting a board evaluation in 2017.

Boccia — 2016 Paralympic benchmark event // Paralympic Games

medal target –

non-medal target achieved N

Goalball — 2016 Paralympic benchmark event // Paralympic Games

medal target 0–1



Wheelchair rugby — 2016 Paralympic benchmark event // Paralympic Games

medal target 1


19

badmintonhigh performance 0



Badminton Australia’s high performance program continued to progress in 2016, delivering support and development for an emerging group of talented athletes. The program’s daily performance environment has engaged key athletes training in a centralised environment with close access to performance support services through the Victorian Institute of Sport. This, coupled with targeted international competition and camp exposure, has been a key to developing these athletes.

The program has continued to implement its competition strategy to enhance readiness leading into the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. This has been delivered through participation in a number of specific international training camps and competitions, which integrate with world-class athletes and coaches. The program has a fully developed schedule and strategy leading into the Commonwealth Games, with good relationships with Denmark, Indonesia, Singapore, China and Malaysia.

Badminton has enjoyed its best competition year, including a significant jump in world rankings for women’s doubles from 51st to the top 20. This included the pair’s win at the Dutch Grand Prix and Canadian Grand Prix. These were the first international grand prix wins for Australia outside of Oceania. An increase in rankings has also been achieved in the Mixed Doubles (49), Men’s Doubles (50) and Women’s Singles (90) in 2016.

Performance outcomes at the 2016 Rio Olympics were as expected, meeting the pre-Games target of two placings between ninth and 16th. These Olympics were utilised as a development opportunity for badminton’s emerging athlete cohort in preparation for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and beyond.


Constitutional reform has helped Badminton Australia achieve greater compliance across a number of the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles, in particular compliance with anti-doping requirements. Over the next 12 months, Badminton should complete the transition to a company limited by guarantee.


medal target –

non-medal target achieved Y

20

basketballhigh performance men 0

high performance women P

high performance men (para) P

high performance women (para) P

Total investment 2016–17: $6,648,614 (high performance: $4,622,364; high performance — para $1,021,250; participation $950,000; other $55,000)


Basketball Australia’s review of its high performance program is helping consolidate structural reforms and the appointment of key leadership positions in the sport.

The men’s team performed outstandingly at the Rio Olympic Games to narrowly miss a medal, showcasing the improvement of individual athletes and the team across the four years of the Olympic cycle. The commitment of athletes and staff to best prepare for the Games contributed to their performances. The athletes’ commitment to team preparation, even when engaged in NBA finals, reflected the cohesiveness of the group and positive culture the squad developed over the cycle. The underpinning programs and the connection and exposure of Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence staff and athletes to the Boomers staff and style of play provided significant learning and development opportunities.

The women’s team fell short of expectations in Rio by finishing fifth. Subsequently, Basketball Australia conducted a review of the campaign and identified actions for its Tokyo cycle high performance planning.

There are positive signs for the future with international performances over the cycle delivering a bronze medal at the 2014 World Cup, gold at under-17 world championships, bronze at under-19 world championships and a gold medal at the World University Games. The progression of coaches involved in the program over the four years has been significant and the exposure of a number of new and different coaches to the international arena has been positive.

The world champion men’s wheelchair basketball team, the Rollers, was unable to achieve the expected Paralympic Games medal when it bowed out of the competition in the quarter-finals. The team faced an ever-improving USA team, a more game-experienced Great Britain, and the rise of teams such as Spain and Turkey. However, there is a good depth of athletes underpinning the Rollers for the Tokyo cycle. The engagement with the wider Basketball community has been positive and will continue to provide opportunities for wheelchair basketball.

The women’s team, the Gliders, did not qualify for the Rio Paralympic Games. Since then, a number of changes have occurred within the program. Plans are in place for the program’s future, including closer relationships with state institutes and academies of sport to ensure effective daily training environment support for athletes.


Over the past 12 months, Basketball Australia has improved the gender balance on its board and progress has been made on all parts of the federation working in cohesion to achieve strategic outcomes. The board completed an ASC-facilitated board evaluation and should continue to implement the recommendations. Basketball should also work towards adopting national unified behaviours.

21

2016 benchmark event // Olympic Games (men)

medal target –


2016 benchmark event // Olympic Games (women)

medal target 1


2016 benchmark event // Paralympic Games (men)

medal target 1



2016 benchmark event // Paralympic Games (women)

medal target 1*


*Did not qualify

22

bowlshigh performance P

Total investment 2016–17: $1,390,996 (high performance: $667,200; participation $650,000 and other $73,796)


The Bowls Australia team enjoyed its most successful world tournament campaign abroad with four gold, two silver and one bronze medal from eight disciplines at the world bowls championship, a 34-nation quadrennial event in Christchurch in December 2016.

For the second world championships in a row, all members of the women’s team secured a gold medal in at least one discipline, highlighted by Natasha Scott, Rebecca Van Asch and Carla Krizanic securing gold in both the triples and fours, where they combined with Kelsey Cottrell. A stunning victory by Karen Murphy in the women’s singles will be seen by many as the highlight of the event.

The men’s team was narrowly pipped for the best performed nation across men’s disciplines, by the host-nation New Zealand. Australia finished with one gold in the men’s event, courtesy of Brett Wilkie and Aaron Wilson in the men’s pairs, two silver in the men’s triples and fours and a bronze in the men’s singles.

The Bowls Australia high performance program continues to make significant progress in improving its daily training environment and culture. Competition for places in the Jackeroos squad is becoming increasingly intense with a priority placed on exposing the next group of athletes to international competition. Bowls Australia conducted an extensive high performance review in August 2016 with key recommendations now being implemented across the network with the engagement of key stakeholders.

While the world championships were successful, the team is still looking for improvement. Consistency, applying and executing structured game plans and mental resilience continue to be priorities. These along with other skill sets will be a major focus in the lead up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.


Bowls Australia has been proactive in adopting the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles, and performs well when benchmarked against Australia’s Winning Edge sports. It completed board education and evaluations through a whole-of-sport governance review in 2016, and has made good use of tools such as a skills matrix to consistently assess governance gaps in the organisation. Bowls should review its anti-doping, sports science and sports medicine policies as part of a wider review of the sports integrity measures.

2016 benchmark event // World Championships

medal target 4–7


23

boxinghigh performance P

Total investment 2016–17: $857,500 (high performance: $807,500; participation $50,000)


Australian athletes won two medals (in non-Olympic divisions) in 2016 at the Women’s World Championships, a gold medal at the 2016 World Youth Championships and there were strong medal performances at a number of other quality international events. Unfortunately, outside medal prospects at the 2016 Olympic Games were not realised.

Australia had three competitors at the 2016 Olympic Games, however performance outcomes were slightly below expected with all athletes unable to progress beyond the round of 16.

Boxing Australia’s female athlete cohort is stronger and deeper than it has been previously, however, challenges remain in keeping male boxers in the sport following Olympic or Commonwealth Games campaigns. The daily performance environments of key athletes are highly variable, with some in need of enhancement to deliver the performance support necessary to achieve high performance outcomes. Significant work has been completed in the pathways area with Boxing Australia-led state-based talent identification programs and increased camps-based activity delivered through the AIS.

Positive competition outcomes have been achieved over the Rio Olympic four-year cycle with two gold and one silver medal achieved at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Australia’s first ever female world championship medals achieved in 2016 (in non-Olympic divisions) and three athletes qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games through Asia. Junior and youth world championship medal outcomes were also achieved, most recently a gold at the 2016 World Youth Championships.


Boxing Australia has continued to work towards adopting the Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. It has increased engagement with stakeholders around the planning and review process for strategic matters in the last 12 months. Boxing needs to improve the gender balance of its board and should continue to achieve greater compliance with the principles pertaining to board composition and operation.


medal target –


24

canoeinghigh performance P


Total investment 2016–17: $4,997,500 (high performance: $4,465,000; high performance — para $225,000; participation $200,000; other $107,500)


Canoeing achieved the lower end of its Rio Olympic targets with two bronze medals — one in slalom, (Jess Fox) and the other in sprint (men’s K2 1000m).

In sprint the men’s K 1000 paddlers featured strongly, recording bronze in the K2 and two top-eight finishes in men’s K4 and K1. Other top-eight results came from the women’s K2 500 and men’s K1 200. The K2 500 crew is young and had under-23 success earlier in the cycle.

Para-canoe exceeded its predictions of winning three medals as a new addition to the Paralympic program. Curtis McGrath won gold in a new boat class, Amanda Reynolds won silver and Susan Seipel won bronze. Jocelyn Neumueller also finished fifth after qualifying later in the cycle.

Australian Canoeing restructured its high performance department post Rio, recruiting a new performance director but maintaining key coaches.

The AIS has heavily supported the national centre of excellence performance support area with substantial joint funding from Australian Canoeing. Beyond the support provided at Pizzey Park and Penrith, other NIN program support has been provided in SA and WA, with individual athlete support in Tasmania and Victoria.

In talent pathways, canoeing aims to create and source competitions closer to Australia, at a time that allows longer-term preparation for developing athletes. In slalom the domestic competition base is hampered by only having one world class facility in Penrith.

Para-canoe has progressively strengthened, winning an increasing number of medals at the world level.


Over the past 12 months, Australian Canoeing has gone through significant board renewal and continues to achieve a strong gender balance on the board. Further to this, the board has undertaken an evaluation and is working through the recommendations detailed in the report. Canoeing should continue to develop elements of their integrity framework, specifically education, training and development of key policies.


medal target 2–4



medal target 0–2


25

cricket (women’s)high performance P

Total investment (Cricket Australia) 2016–17: $1,134,249 (high performance: $197,749; participation $712,500; other: $224,000)

ASC funding as a percentage of total income: Less than 1%

The Australian Women’s Cricket Team did not achieve its benchmark event target for 2016, defeated by the West Indies in the final of the T20 World Cup Final. However, the team continues to produce results at major tournaments, a testament to the improved culture and leadership within the group.

Team preparation leading into the T20 World Cup was excellent with the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League season and playing India at home and New Zealand away for three matches. Match strategy and the execution of game tactics are areas for ongoing focus.

Over the four-year cycle, the women’s team achieved its goal of becoming the No. 1 ranked team in the three forms of women’s cricket by winning the Ashes Series against England in 2015 while it was also T20 World Cup champions and one-day international world champions.

Matthew Mott was appointed head coach for the Ashes series after the highly regarded and successful Cathryn Fitzpatrick moved to an elite development pathway role. Cricket Australia’s greater investment in underpinning state programs are showing results with young quality athletes coming through the athlete pathway and increased numbers across junior programs. There are still concerns on the ability of batters being able to play against quality spin bowling however, specific camps conducted at the centre of excellence and in Sri Lanka are improving this skillset. The average age of the team is 24 with two players over 30 in the team, auguring well for the next four to six years as the younger players in the squad gain experience.

Cricket Australia’s introduction of player contracts through this cycle has enabled athletes to transition into the full-time domain enabling a greater development pathway and work, training and life balance.


When benchmarked against Australia’s Winning Edge sports, Cricket Australia is performing well against the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. Cricket has implemented the required systems and process relating to anti-doping, anti-match-fixing, sports science and sports medicine. To achieve greater compliance with the principles, Cricket would need to make some limited changes to its constitution.

2016 benchmark event // Women’s Twenty20 World Cup

medal target 1


26

cyclinghigh performance P


Total investment 2015–16 (Cycling Australia): $8,823,667 (high performance: $6,793,925; high performance — para $1,107,394; participation $450,000; other $472,348)


A strong performance at the April World Championships in both 2015 and 2016 in the Olympic disciplines, with a sub-optimal performance at Rio, highlights a need to look at the competition peaking strategy. Cycling Australia has identified a number of areas to be addressed, and appointed a new high performance director to help turn the strong performances throughout the cycle into an outcome at the Olympic/Paralympic Games.

The Paralympic program continued to present strong results and performed well over the year. The program continued to operate effectively with well-planned, organised leadership and strong team morale and culture.

Cycling Australia had limited opportunity to invest additional funds into the high performance program resulting in some identified resource gaps needed to achieve results. The ASC/AIS and Cycling are collaborating closely to address this issue.

After strong results in preceding world championships, the Rio results at the Olympic Games across track, road, BMX and mountain bike were disappointing. Some unfortunate crashes and technical failures at the Games, and poorly timed sickness just prior to Rio, contributed to the overall Olympic results.

Rio highlights include the silver medal in the Men’s Team Pursuit and Anna Meares competing in her fourth and final Olympic appearance in Rio, as she finished her storied Olympic career with a sixth medal (bronze) in Olympic competition while also becoming the first Australian athlete to win a medal at four Olympic Games.

In BMX, strong performances in the preliminary rounds did not translate into the final. Some technical errors overshadowed the early speed shown in the preliminaries. There were hopes of top 10 finishes in the mountain bike race but mechanical issues and pre-existing illness affected these opportunities.

In contrast, the Paralympic program was slightly below its gold medal targets and slightly above the overall medal targets. As with the Olympic program, there were some near misses and some room for improvement.


Cycling Australia is progressing well with its governance reform and has been working to make changes that will achieve greater compliance with the Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. It has continued to work with stakeholders in the planning and review process for strategic direction. Cycling needs to continue working towards adopting unified behaviours. Cycling Australia would benefit from conducting an external board evaluation to complement the internal self-assessment process conducted by the board.


medal target 5–7



medal target 9–11


27

divinghigh performance 0

Total investment 2016–17: $2,238,195 (high performance: $2,091,195; participation: $50,000; other: $97,000)


In Rio, Diving won a bronze medal in the 3m women synchro pair (Maddison Keeney and Anabelle Smith), achieving the lower end of their Rio medal targets. This performance was backed up with fifth placings by female divers Keeney (3m) and Melissa Wu (10m), plus a sixth from Esther Qin (3m).

During 2016, Diving Australia continued to operate and support three national training centres in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide and development training centres in Melbourne and Perth. These centres are well supported by local state and territory institutes and academies of sport, and state associations.

This strategy has worked well with all five centres strongly contributing to the Australian Olympic Team and its excellent results. The five centres increased the number and level of athletes especially in the talent pathway area as new athletes now have improved access to world class coaches. The alignment of these centres will be enhanced by the recent appointment of former USA diving performance director Steve Foley to the role of general manager — performance and pathways. Diving has also recruited coach Adrian Hinchliffe — who coached Britain’s gold medal-winning men’s 3m synchro team in Rio — to lead the Brisbane program.

The AIS-funded Spin to Win program involved talent transfer from Gymnastics Australia and continues to strengthen Diving’s athlete pathways. This initiative is an excellent example of innovation and cross-collaboration between sports for the greater good of Australian sport.

Diving Australia believes the athlete cohort for Tokyo is stronger than post London, with emerging medal-winning young athletes maturing. Similarly, Australia has strong potential in the possible inclusion of mixed synchro and/or high diving for Tokyo.


Diving Australia is progressing with its governance reform and has been working to make the necessary changes in line with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. It has undertaken a board evaluation in the previous 12 months and has implemented key recommendations involving board composition and operation to better align with the principles. Diving should continue to finalise the composition of the audit and risk committee and work towards greater compliance with sports science and sports medicine principles.


medal target 1–2


28

equestrianhigh performance 0

high performance (para) P

Total investment 2016–17: $3,122,913 (high performance: $2,115,913; high performance — para: $475,000; participation: $450,000; other: $82,000)


In 2016, the Equestrian Australia high performance program continued to improve as it implemented changes following the 2014 World Equestrian Games. There was a shift in focus in the Olympic program towards eventing and competing in the Nations Cup that positively influenced performances.

Equestrian met its Rio Olympic medal target by winning a bronze medal in team eventing. However, an inability to meet medal targets at the Paralympics highlighted the growing international focus and continued improvement of competitor nations. During the cycle there was considerable focus on improving combinations’ performances. While these did improve, they did not result in medals. The best Paralympics result was fourth by Lisa Martin on First Famous.

Significant shifts over the four-year cycle have led to better high performance practices, including the introduction of new athlete and equine-management practices. A focus on establishing a professional team culture saw positive results at events before and during the Rio Games.

The establishment of a structure that identifies future athletes has commenced well but it will need refinement and full implementation during the Tokyo cycle.


Equestrian Australia is progressing towards meeting the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. A high priority is to develop robust financial reporting systems and processes to ensure management and the board are receiving timely and accurate financial information. Equestrian should continue to work towards implementing the recommendations highlighted during an external board evaluation conducted in 2016.


medal target 1–2



medal target 1–3


29

football (soccer — Matildas)high performance 0

Total investment 2016–17 (Football Federation Australia): $2,912,788 (high performance: $1,902,868; participation $950,000; other $59,920)


The Australian women’s team, the Matildas, enjoyed a very successful period under head coach Alen Stajcic, having qualified for the Rio Olympics for the first time in 12 years. This was the first time the team qualified through the tough Asia Confederation, finishing top of the table at the Asia Olympic Qualifying Tournament in March. At the Games they reached the quarter-finals but lost to Brazil in a sudden-death penalty shootout.

The program continues to make significant progress from a tactical, technical and physical perspective. The 2016 Olympic campaign was supported with additional funding that enabled the squad to assemble in Canberra for an additional four camps prior to departing for their pre-Olympic camp in Fortaleza.

There have been significant changes to the Matildas’ high performance program, including: a focus on greater integration and buy-in of the national program within the women’s national league coaches and programs; a national direction regarding sports science sports medicine servicing and support; and an increased focus on a competitive international competition program to expose the squad and developing athletes to quality opposition.

Over the four-year cycle, the squad has been able to challenge the world’s top teams. It achieved its highest-ever world ranking of a senior national team, fifth, and currently sits at No. 6 post Olympic Games.


Football Federation Australia (FFA) has updated its constitution to enable greater compliance with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. It continues to perform strongly with integrity matters and may wish to further strengthen the support it provides to affiliated football bodies with their respective education and training programs that underpin the national integrity framework. FFA will undertake a board evaluation in 2017.


medal target 0–1



30

golfhigh performance 0

Total investment 2016–17: $1,634,500 (high performance: $959,500; participation $650,000; other: $25,000)


The targeted result for the men’s team at the Rio Olympics was not achieved, with withdrawals from potential gold medallists Jason Day and Adam Scott. Marcus Fraser finished tied for fifth, far exceeding the expectations based on his pre-event world ranking.

The women’s team was competitive and came close to a podium finish. Minjee Lee was a strong final-round performer making several back-nine birdies to push into medal contention however finished tied seventh. Su Oh was also in the medal mix with a few holes to play.

Golf Australia and its partners worked hard to allow the athletes to prepare and recover for the Olympic Games as they would for a normal major championship. Team leader Ian Baker-Finch’s decision to arrive early and study the golf course provided the athletes and caddies a complete understanding of how to best prepare during the practice rounds. Ian’s experience also helped several times off the golf course with athletes reaching out for advice on handling pressure and media commitments during the tournament.

While Golf Australia’s ranking has moved to on track, the program continues to provide an exceptional pathway for prospective future professional athletes and is the envy of major competitors. It continues to provide national squad athletes with exposure and the support required to compete on the professional circuit.

Over the past four years Golf Australia’s Winning Edge athletes continued to have a major presence on the USPGA and LPGA Tour. Jason Day climbed to a world No. 1 ranking after securing his first Major — The USPGA Championship in 2015. In 2016 he secured three wins on the PGA Tour including the unofficial fifth major The Players Championship. Adam Scott has climbed back into the top 10 rankings.

Golf Australia’s Rookie Squad member Minjee Lee has continued her rise in the women’s world rankings, currently 14th after securing two tournament victories since turning professional in late 2014.

Golf Australia continues to invest in its national and rookie squads with promising results from these athletes across the amateur and professional ranks. Australian Squad member Curtis Luck is Australia’s leading amateur with a world ranking of No. 2 after winning the US Amateur title and along with fellow Australian team members Cameron Davis, Brett Coletta and Anthony Quayle, secured the Eisenhour Trophy for the World Amateur Teams title.


Golf Australia is performing well in adopting the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. It has had significant engagement with stakeholders to develop the strategic direction for the sport. The nominations committee has been operating well using a documented skills matrix that is regularly updated. Golf Australia would benefit from conducting a board evaluation in 2017.


medal target 0–2



31

gymnasticshigh performance P

Total investment 2016–17: $3,154,322 (high performance: $2,254,322; participation $816,000; other $84,000)


2016 was a challenging year for Gymnastics Australia. Australia’s inability to qualify a women’s artistic team or any men’s artistic individuals for the Rio Olympic Games was disappointing, and below the sport’s expectations.

Throughout the past Olympic cycle, Australia has been unable to keep pace with the significant improvement in the international standard of gymnastics performance. In an attempt to address this, Gymanstics undertook a number of initiatives, including the centralisation of the men’s program into Canberra and a change in management model with State Institute partners.

Prior to the Rio Olympics, Gymnastics undertook an independent review of its high performance program. The Gymnastics Australia board accepted the report from the independent review, which focussed on raising the quality of coaching and building the capability of clubs to produce world-class athletes. Gymnastics has commenced a significant refreshing of its coaching and leadership team, including the appointment of an internationally renowned women’s national coach, and revised national strategy to prioritise high performance coaching and club development.

During 2016, Gymnastics concentrated on redesigning the national approach to high performance program, with a change of focus to emphasise the development of both coach capability and athlete resilience for the Tokyo cycle and beyond. A key objective for the cycle is to transition to a club-based model for the provision of the daily performance environment for world-class athletes. The cycle will also see new people in key leadership positions, including national performance director, women’s national coach (appointed February 2017), and the head coaches of both the Perth (appointed January 2017) and Melbourne (appointed May 2017) national centres of excellence.


Gymnastics Australia is performing well in adopting the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. It has updated its constitution to address the minimum number of board meetings and CEO appointment to the board. Gymnastics has made significant progress in adopting and implementing the anti-doping principles, however further work needs to be done to become compliant with the sports science and sports medicine principles. Gymnastics is conducting a board evaluation in 2017.


medal target 0–1



32

hockeyhigh performance (men) P

high performance (women) P



2016 was a disappointing year for both men’s and women’s hockey. A combination of on and off-field issues negatively affected performance outcomes. A Post-Rio Olympic review identified key strategic items which need to be addressed and which are now being implemented. Key areas include leadership, coaching and the athlete cohort, and have already resulted in significant changes.

Long-term development of the athlete cohort is to be revisited to ensure there is a sufficient critical mass of senior players (aged 20–30) available to keep pressure on national teams, and not lost to the high performance program. This will require a revision to hockey’s athlete categorisation model.

The performance of the men’s team, the Kookaburras, in Rio was below expectations, losing the quarter-final to the Netherlands. This result was despite the team’s on-field successes during the 24 months preceding the Rio Olympics.

Despite the Olympic result, the men’s team retained the world No. 1 ranking, having won the 2014 World Cup, four Champions Trophy Tournaments over the cycle, World Series League gold medals, as well as the Commonwealth Games Gold Medal. A focus on building squad depth in the two years before the games by giving younger players greater exposure led to inconsistent performances but this was expected to benefit the Rio campaign.

The performance of the women’s team, the Hockeyroos, in Rio was significantly below expectations, losing the quarter-final to New Zealand. Injury concerns around key athletes during the final year of preparation interrupted final team selection and preparations.

Over the four-year cycle leading up to Rio, the women’s team improved their world ranking from fifth to a high of second, and being ranked third immediately prior to the Olympic Games.


Hockey Australia continues to progress well towards adopting the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. It has had significant engagement with stakeholders in the monitoring and review of the strategic plan, which has further improved strategic alignment with state plans. Following the recent AGM, Hockey Australia needs to continue towards adopting national unified behaviours and would also benefit from conducting a board evaluation in 2017.


medal target 1



medal target 0–1



33

judohigh performance P

Total investment 2016–17: $709,410 (high performance: $634,410; participation $75,000)


The Judo Federation of Australia (JFA) engaged a head coach and high performance administrator in part-time roles before and after the Rio Olympic Games. This enabled program management of Judo’s categorised athletes and planning for key events, including the Games.

Results and development of underpinning pathway athletes in 2016 have been positive, with a number of medal and top-eight outcomes achieved in recent tours. Work has also begun with the AIS to develop a national pathways framework for the sport.

A team of seven athletes aged 18–24 travelled to Rio, all competing in their first Olympic Games. They achieved three top-16 performances but no athlete performed above expectations. Decision-making under duress needs to be developed as well as an ability to impose their style of judo against other athletes.

Following recommendations coming out of an ASC-led governance review, Judo employed its first CEO in 2014, with the current CEO appointed in 2015. There has also been a broadening skill mix transitioned onto the JFA board.

Shifts in the high performance leadership have been less pronounced, but enhancements have been made through changes to the broader organisation. The young team, doubled with the recent positive international results for pathways athletes, bodes well for future campaigns.

While there are capable club coaches across the country, there was no specific technical lead in Australia until December 2015. This, combined with a lack of non-technical high performance leadership capacity created ongoing challenges throughout the four-year cycle regarding the program management of key athletes. While increased centralised camp activity has created stimulus to the athlete cohort, the isolated training environments outside of these camps remains a challenge for many key athletes.


The Judo Federation of Australia has improved its compliance with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles, as a result of an increased focus on governance. It has recently completed the transition to a company limited by guarantee and a new constitution. It has also undergone significant board renewal resulting in greater gender balance and diversity on the board. Judo would benefit from undertaking a board evaluation in 2017 and continuing to develop its integrity framework, with particular attention to the training and education underpinning its policy documents.


medal target 0–1



34

netballhigh performance E



Netball Australia has again excelled in the delivery of its high performance program. 2016 was a mid-cycle year for the Diamond’s during which new athletes, combinations and strategies were trialled. The year began with a successful tour to England and culminated in a comprehensive series win over New Zealand in the Constellation Cup.

2016 was also a significant year off the court with a restructure of the domestic competition with the creation of Suncorp Super Netball and the introduction of club ownership from outside the traditional netball community. This transition is likely to present the Diamonds program with challenges in terms of athlete preparation and servicing however, Netball Australia is being proactive in its engagement with the various franchises to minimise the impact on international preparation and performance.

The netball program has maintained consistent high level performance throughout the past four-year performance cycle. Netball Australia now holds every major trophy for events in which they have competed, including gold medals at the major benchmark events, the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2015 Netball World Cup.

The sport has shown a willingness to utilise new technology and data to maintain its competitive position. Netball has demonstrated effective leadership at every level from board, executive, coaching and support staff and through strong athlete leadership has developed a great performance based culture at Diamonds level.


Netball Australia is performing well in adopting the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles and demonstrates best practice for governance in many areas, including the operation of its nominations committee and audit committee, board performance evaluation, and annual reporting. Netball Australia should address the dual roles of chair and president in the constitution and continue to focus on the overall sport alignment.

2016 benchmark event // Constellation Cup

medal target 1


35

Olympic Winter Institute of Australiahigh performance 0

Total investment 2016–17: $2,691,069 (high performance: $2,573,645; other $117,424)


The Olympic Winter Institute of Australia’s (OWIA’s) main requirements to support its senior high performance programs are now in place, including support from the National Institute Network and high-quality coaching for medal potential athletes in all key snow sport disciplines.

The new Thredbo acrobatic centre is operational and benefiting athletes in the freestyle sport programs.

The ‘Spin to Win’ talent transfer project has unearthed arguably the best and most consistent range of entry level talent of any freestyle talent identification project. The challenge for Ski and Snowboard Australia and the OWIA is how to continue this program into the future. There is also a risk that limited resourcing will hamper support for pathway athletes.

The key athletes achieved their objectives in 2016, with results in nominated world cup events at the top end of the target range. This set up an outstanding 2016–17 season in which Australian athletes won five world championship medals and a record 34 world cup medals in Olympic disciplines. The challenge is to continue this good momentum over the coming months leading into the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games.


The OWIA is in the process of significant constitutional reform, which will enable greater compliance with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles particularly around the board composition and operational principles. It would benefit from undertaking a board evaluation in 2017 and continuing to develop its integrity framework with particular attention given to the training and education that underpins its policy documents.

2016 benchmark event // various world cup events

medal target 1–3


36

rowinghigh performance 0




In 2016 Rowing Australia moved to improve the performances of its Olympic qualified boats through a centralised domestic preparation in Canberra. This provided improved oversight of training volumes of key athletes and ensured access to high-level performance support services through the AIS.

At the Rio Olympic Games Australian athletes achieved one gold (Kim Brennan, single scull) and two silver (men’s quad scull and men’s four) medals, improving Australia’s medal ranking from London to fourth overall.

After an extensive consultation and review process in the lead-up to and following the Rio Games, Rowing Australia implemented its new high performance strategy, CampaignNumberOne. This strategy has two key components — the establishment of men’s and women’s national training centres in Canberra and Penrith respectively and bespoke state-based programs in partnership with the National Institute Network and the respective state rowing associations. While Rowing Australia has engaged extensively with its key stakeholders during the pre and post Rio period on the development of its new strategy, the sport will need to carefully manage its relationships with the network partners throughout the roll out of the new national model. Sufficient resourcing of both centres, including performance support services, is a priority.

In Paralympic events the project to develop a LTA (legs, trunk and arms) coxed four crew for Rio came to fruition in 2016, with an Australian crew winning the last chance Games qualification regatta in Italy in April.

At the Paralympics Australia achieved one silver (Erik Horrie in the arms and shoulders men’s single scull) medal, placing it fifth on the overall medal table. While this achieved the program’s Rio medal target, it was a downturn in the program’s performances from the three years leading into Rio.

Rowing Australia completed a full athlete pathway review with the AIS prior to 2016 and is now implementing the review’s recommendations. A catalyst for the review was the inability to qualify crews for Rio in the lightweight events, categories in which Australia has historically been strong.

Rowing’s restructure of its high performance leadership team following the 2015 world championships gave it a solid foundation leading into the Games. As the sport commences the Tokyo cycle it has key leadership appointments in place, including performance director, deputy performance director, and the men’s and women’s head coaches.


Rowing Australia is progressing with its governance reforms and has been working to make the necessary changes in line with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. This includes stronger gender balance, an independent board evaluation, the continued evolution and delivery of a whole-of-sport strategic plan and adoption of national behaviours, emphasised by a national project to achieve a common finance system. The sport is continuing to focus on adopting these national unified behaviours, and on developing and adopting education for stakeholders for integrity matters.


medal target 3–6



medal target 1–2


37

rugby 7shigh performance (men) P


Total investment (Australian Rugby Union) 2016–17: $1,960,750 (high performance: $1,026,250; participation $650,000; other $284,500)


The women’s 7s program achieved its aspiration winning gold at the sport’s Olympic debut in Rio having won the 2016 world rugby series. The men’s program finished eighth in Rio, their performance hampered by losing key players to injury in the pool stages.

The 7s program has evolved from being camps based and moving to a centralised program for 20+ contracted players of each gender. It now has a clearer view on what is needed to refine and improve to be more successful in Tokyo. The player group has been reasonably stable, with some additions from the national emerging and youth programs incorporating talent ID, training camps and the new national championships.

Following the Rio campaign the men’s program lost five senior players which will require the 7s team to re-build for the 2017–18 season and possibly the 2018 Commonwealth Games and World Cup. However, there has been considerable change in staff to the men’s program including five different head coaches.

There has been continuity of women’s coaching and management staff. This tightknit team, supported by others, has developed their women’s 7s knowledge quickly to stay ahead of other countries, seeking information from other codes and countries.

The introduction of Rugby 7s to the Olympic Games has added interest to rugby around the world resulting in the rapid development of knowhow, with more countries centralising their national teams and creating local competitions. European teams have a distinct advantage with regional competition structures developed to give exposure to a wider squad of players. Oceania lags behind and competition exposure for developing younger players is a concern. ARU 7s will deliver a university-based women’s tournament for about eight teams in 2017 with support from University Sport, to be followed by a men’s later in the cycle.


Australian Rugby Union (ARU) is largely compliant with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. Over the previous 12 months, it has updated its constitution to embed a minimum of five board meetings per year and the CEO cannot be appointed to the board within three years of leaving the role. The ARU continues to perform strongly with integrity matters and has developed a robust integrity framework underpinned by sound education and training programs. It should look to appoint an external and independent chartered accountant or certified practising accountant to the Audit and Risk Committee.


medal target 0–1




medal target 1


38

sail inghigh performance P

high performance (para) P



Once again, the Australian Sailing Team delivered a very strong overall performance at the 2016 Olympic Games with four medals from seven events. The team won one gold and three silver medals and recorded two top 10 finishes.

The three lead coaches of the team provide leadership and direction to their athletes and other up-and-coming coaches with the program. The commitment of these coaches in their pursuit of success sets a great platform for all 10 Olympic classes.

Despite fewer overall gold medals in Rio compared to London, the four medals were considered to be on track. Australia won the most medals of any sailing nation and four Olympic rookies won medals, showing both the relative strength of the program and a viable pathway for developing athletes.

The preparation and work done by the wider team to gather the information on Rio weather, tides and environment contributed to the team’s overall performances.


Australian Sailing is largely compliant with the Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. Over the previous 12 months it has undertaken significant governance and business reform, improved the gender balance of its board and has introduced reporting bands of administration expenses including key management personnel. Australian Sailing would benefit from undertaking a board evaluation in 2017 and continue to develop its integrity framework, with particular attention given to the training and education that underpins its policy documents.


medal target 3–5



medal target 1–3


39

shootinghigh performance 0

high performance (para) U



The Olympic program maintained its rating in 2016 by winning an Olympic gold medal with Catherine Skinner in the women’s trap (shotgun) event. It was an event the sport had identified at the start of the cycle. The Paralympic program did not achieve any medals and as a result the overall rating of this program has been downgraded from 2015.

The top priority following the conclusion of the cycle was the establishment of national centres in both Melbourne and Adelaide in partnership with the Victorian Institute of Sport and South Australian Sports Institute. These centres have commenced operation and good alignment between partners currently exists.

The recruitment of a national shot gun coach was a high priority after the Games and Adam Vella has been appointed to this position. Shotgun is the priority discipline with a targeted approach being taken in other areas to ensure the best athletes are supported to achieve results in other disciplines.

The performances of Olympic shooters in 2016 demonstrated a continuation of the strong progress that had been achieved over the previous three years. Other significant achievements by shooters in 2016 included Olympic finals for Laetisha Scanlan (women’s trap) and James Willett (men’s double trap). Laetisha was the highest ranked athlete going in to the finals and finished fifth, and James was the youngest finalist by 10 years and also finished fifth.

Shooting has identified a number of emerging elite athletes for the future. Shooting’s ongoing challenge will be to continue to change the culture of the sport, unwind entrenched conventions and increase depth of athletic and coaching talent.

Despite a number of promising top-eight performances throughout the Rio cycle, the sport was unable to convert these into medal results at the Paralympic Games.


Shooting Australia (SA) continues to perform strongly against the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. This year it has increased its already strong gender balance on its board. Shooting showed strong leadership by embarking on reforming the governance of the sport, and with the support of the ASC, the shooting disciplines have commenced working with each other for whole-of-sport outcomes. The continued implementation of this reform is imperative for long-term sustained success of Shooting in Australia. SA needs to prioritise the development of its integrity framework; with particular focus on the sports science and sports medicine principles and the training and education programs that underpin these policies.


medal target 1–2



medal target 1–2


40

ski and snowboardhigh performance 0


Total investment 2016–17: $2,120,078 (high performance: $767,600; high performance — para $934,478; participation $325,000; other $93,000)


The new Thredbo acrobatic centre is fully operational and benefiting athletes in the freestyle sport programs.

The ‘Spin to Win’ talent transfer project has unearthed arguably the best and most consistent range of entry level talent of any freestyle talent identification project. The challenge for Ski and Snowboard Australia and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia is how to continue this program once funding ceases. There is also a risk that limited resourcing has opened gaps in the support of pathway athletes.

The key athletes achieved their objectives in 2016, with results in nominated world cup events at the top end of the target range. This set up an outstanding 2016–17 season in which Australian athletes won five World Championship medals and a record 34 World Cup medals in Olympic disciplines. The challenge is to continue this good momentum over the coming months leading into the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games.

In Paralympic disciplines the total medal results exceeded the top end of the target range. These performances continued into 2016–17 season in which alpine skier Mitchell Gourley won the men’s standing super-combined world title and snowboarder Joany Badenhorst won two world championship bronze medals.


Ski and Snowboard Australia (SSA) has addressed a number of principles pertaining to the board composition and operation, including improving the gender balance of the board and the members of the Audit and Risk Committee. Further updates to their constitution, including the maximum terms for directors, would result in further compliance with the principles. SSA would benefit from undertaking an externally facilitated evaluation in 2017.

2016 benchmark event // various world cup events

medal target 1–3


2016 Paralympic benchmark event // various world cup events

medal target 1–3


41

squashhigh performance 0

Total investment 2016–17: $765,000 (high performance: $530,000; participation $200,000; other $35,000)


Squash Australia continues to make improvements in its high performance program and pathway with improved leadership and focus on elite athlete development.

The appointment of a high performance manager provided an opportunity for the role to drive and direct its elite program.

Squash Australia accepts the need for more specialisation in the doubles game as it changes with world ranked players playing an increasing role in major competitions. Squash Australia is confident player depth will enable it to achieve its targets at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

At the 2016 World Doubles Championships the men’s double pairing of Ryan Cuskelly and Cameron Pilley were No. 1 seeds, however lost the semi-final to New Zealand. While Rachael Grinham and Donna Urquhart took the silver medal after beating the top seeded Indian pair in the semi-final.

Squash Australia believes it has the players to win gold in all three disciplines at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. To achieve this, the sport has implemented a two-year plan for doubles preparation, built on a performance analysis library of doubles combination from the most recent doubles world championships and recognised the need for Australia’s older players to specialise in one event to maximise medal potential.


Squash has actioned a number of recommendations from the previous sports performance review including conducting a board evaluation and updating the constitution to detail that the CEO cannot be appointed to the board within three years of leaving the role. Further updates to the constitution, including stating the minimum number of board meetings per year, will result in further compliance with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. Squash would benefit from increasing the gender balance and diversity of its board. The continued development of education and training programs that underpin the anti-match-fixing and member protection policies would also be valuable.

2016 benchmark event // world senior women’s team championship

medal target 0–1


42

surf l ife savinghigh performance

0

Total investment 2016–17: $872,749 (high performance: $197,749; participation $650,000; other $25,000)


Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) athlete quality and depth continues to grow, evidenced by the victory of the Australian Youth Team at the 2016 world youth championships and the pathway team winning the SANYO cup (Surf Specific) in Japan. Unfortunately, these feats were not quite matched at the senior level with the team coming second to New Zealand at the World Championships. The Australian team was extremely young (average age of 19) with five of the 12 athletes stepping up from the 2014 youth team.

The sport’s leadership and team management structure and staffing has changed following the review conducted at the completion of the 2016 world championships.

SLSA continues to review its squad to better balance its team across the 41 events conducted at world championships. It has made significant inroads to address the challenge of the pool events (which comprise more than half the events in the world championships) through a better-balanced squad and through the prioritisation and growth of the domestic pool-rescue competition format.

The sport has recognised the need for a more tailored approach to addressing its current shortfall in pool rescue competition opportunities and is working to further establish a domestic product specifically in this area. SLSA is also working with Swimming Australia to benefit from the expertise they can provide to the pool rescue environment.

Significant talent transfer opportunities remain to play an enhanced pathways role for sports such as canoeing and swimming. This has been demonstrated with a targeted talent transfer project with Australian Canoeing called the Next Wave Project.


Surf Life Saving Australia is progressing with its governance reform and has been working to make the necessary changes in line with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. While making significant progress regarding member protection, it will need to continue to work on its sports science and sports medicine framework.

2016 benchmark event // lifesaving world championships

medal target 1


43

surfinghigh performance P

Total investment 2016–17: $1,567,900 (high performance: $925,000; participation $450,000; other $192,900)


Australian surfing continued to deliver strong international performances in 2016. The announcement of inclusion in the Olympic Games was very exciting news for the sport, and planning is well underway.

The benchmark event is the annual WSL competition which is a series of events and the overall standing at the end of the year decides the world title.

Tyler Wright was dominant in the women’s WSL clinching her maiden world title in 2016 winning five out 10 events. At just 22 years old she is well positioned to continue this form over the next few years leading into Tokyo. Overall there were 13 podium finishes throughout the year from five female athletes with Stephanie Gilmore, Sally Fitzgibbons and Laura Enever all finishing in the top 10.

The men were unable to reach the podium in the overall world title ranking but had 14 podium finishes throughout the year from eight athletes, and three of those athletes Matt Wilkinson, Julian Wilson and Joel Parkinson finished in the top 10.

There is strong leadership in place and with entry now confirmed to the Tokyo Olympics, this presents both a significant opportunity and challenge to staff.

Innovation is core of the sports philosophy and is limited only by resource and time. There is strong evidence of Surfing Australia working collaboratively with other sports in this area and in the increasing use of skate ramp facilities and wave pools.


Surfing has made significant progress on becoming more compliant with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles, particularly around board composition and operation. The sport has undertaken a board evaluation and increased the gender balance on the board, and should continue to focus on developing its sports science and sports medicine framework.

2016 benchmark event // ASP Tour

medal target 2–3


44

swimminghigh performance 0


Total investment 2016–17: $11,028,787 (high performance: $8,320,285; high performance — para $1,888,502; participation $650,000; other $170,000)


The implementation of the Swimming Australia review has had a positive impact, generating an improvement in results. At the Rio Olympic Games, Australia finished second on the medal tally compared with its seventh place finish in London. With a return of a strong culture, the focus is now on improving performance execution to deliver at benchmark events, particularly the Olympics. At the Paralympic Games, Australia finished fifth on the medal tally with a young group of athletes.

Key leadership staff have been reappointed as the sport heads into the Tokyo cycle, providing stability and direction across nine podium centres in order to drive quality of coaching, embedded performance support, and improved facility access.

Swimming is progressing relationships with several universities and intends to invest in developing greater capacity to enhance data management to enable more evidence-based decision making.

Swimming achieved its performance target at the Rio Olympic Games, winning three gold medals, including two individual gold medals. Despite finishing second on the medal tally, Australia performed below the level projected based on 2015 performances. Considering the preparation, there were opportunities missed and a number of performances fell below expectations. The conversion rate of Olympic finalists into medallists, as well as individual performance times between Olympic trials and Olympic finals, will be reviewed.

At the Paralympics, the total 29 medals was within the targeted total Australia’s Winning Edge performance range, with the nine gold medals inclusive of three new world records, just below the gold medal target of 11–15. This was the largest team ever sent to a Paralympic Games indicating significant depth of talent.

Access to competition has been satisfactory but further development is required into the next cycle to address gaps identified between trials and benchmark events.


Swimming Australia has had considerable engagement with stakeholders to build a stronger whole-of-sport strategy, and continues to perform strongly regarding integrity matters. In order to achieve greater compliance with the principles, swimming would need to adopt constitutional change detailing that a former CEO cannot join the board for three years after leaving their position.

2016 benchmark event // Olympic Games (including open water swim)

medal target 9–11



medal target 28–32


45

table tennishigh performance P


Total investment 2016–17: $780,967 (high performance: $250,350; high performance — para $290,000; participation $200,000; other $40,617).


Both the Olympic and Paralympic programs achieved their Rio Games performance targets, with two top 16 results at the Olympics and a silver medal in the Paralympics (Sam von Einem).

In 2016 table tennis conducted a thorough review of its high performance program, the outcomes of which included a rationalisation of the program’s leadership structure. From January 2017 the program moved to a single high performance director who has responsibility for both the Olympic and Paralympic programs through to the 2018 Commonwealth Games. At the same time the coaching structure in the Olympic program has been reorganised to ensure an increased focus on supporting the key 2018 athletes.

Table tennis continued to make progress in the development of its para high performance program during the 2013–2016 cycle. The program is now working well across key areas and is focused on growing its opportunities for capturing new athletes. This includes ongoing work with the Australian Paralympic Committee on athlete profiling and identification.

The Paralympic program also made good use of its newly developed Virtual Interactive Training and Education System to link the national para coaching and performance services team with home coaches. The use of this system is be broadened to include the Olympic program in 2017.


Table Tennis Australia has continued to work towards adopting the Mandatory Sports Governance Principles, however it must continue to adopt constitutional reform to include a chair elected by the board, maximum terms for directors and having independent directors. The sport is performing well against the integrity principles, however would benefit from the development o education and training to support key policies. Table Tennis Australia may wish to consider undertaking a board evaluation in 2017.


medal target –



medal target 0–1


46

taekwondohigh performance P

Total investment 2016–17: $351,004 (high performance: $351,004)

ASC funding as a percentage of total income: Not applicable

The major focus for 2016 was the Rio Olympic campaign, which delivered two top-eight placings. The team’s performance in Rio was slightly below desired results, with two athletes defeated by eventual silver medallists. In addition to these results, the Rio cycle delivered Australia’s first ever world champion with Carmen Marton winning the 62kg division at the 2013 World Championships. It also included two bronze medals at 2014 Grand Prix for Safwan Khalil.

A review conducted following the 2016 Olympic Games highlighted and reinforced a number of elements that needed to be improved in order for Australia to become a force again in taekwondo. These included the need for an independent coaching director and enhanced performance leadership capacity to support that and other key roles and athletes over an Olympic cycle.

The use of the AIS for camps-based activity, including the support provided by the AIS Combat Centre staff was a positive, with the integration of international teams a real success. However increasing the level of these centralised training opportunities, the exposure to quality international training partners and integrated performance support were identified in the review as critical elements that need further enhancement.

The sport will provide a greater focus on supporting and developing new and existing talent in the coming months, including the review of key categorisation documentation and the development of a national pathway framework.

A merger between competing entities resulted in the ASC again recognising the sport in 2014 under the name Australian Taekwondo. This allowed for recruitment of the CEO and modest high performance investment being reinstated from the 2014–15 financial year to enable support for training and competition for Australia’s priority athletes in the final stages of the 2016 Olympic Games campaign.


Taekwondo is progressing with its governance and has been working to make the necessary changes in line with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. The organisation is continuing to progress toward ensuring all parts of the federated structure are working in cohesion and towards a single strategic direction for the sport. It would benefit from undertaking a board evaluation in 2017 and continuing to develop its integrity framework, with particular attention given to the training and education that underpins its policies.


medal target 0–1



47

tr iathlonhigh performance P


Total investment 2016–17: $2,782,000 (high performance: $2,052,000; high performance — para $225,000; participation $450,000; other: $55,000)


Olympic

The Rio Olympic results were below expectation with no athletes achieving a podium result. It was the first Olympic Games in which Australia has not medalled since 2000.

Looking ahead to 2018 and 2020, Triathlon Australia does have some emerging athletes who have achieved success at under-23 level. There has also been a number of changes in the sport’s leadership. An improved solution to the delivery of high performance coaching to Australian athletes has been a key focus post Rio.

Competition access, especially international is reasonable, but necessitates training in Europe for long periods and providing support in overseas locations is a challenge.

Para Triathlon

Para Triathlon made its debut in Rio achieving a gold medal through Katie Kelly.

There has been rapid growth in para triathlon, which the sport has managed well despite the late decision of the classes available in Rio. There has also been an increase in the focus on coaching by pairing each athlete with Triathlon Australia recognised coaches in either direct coaching roles or mentoring.

Accessing international or domestic racing, and daily servicing were challenges over the cycle. Athletes received support via the AIS facilities in Pizzey Park and Canberra as well as from the Queensland Academy of Sport in Brisbane.


Triathlon Australia is progressing with its governance and has continued towards adopting the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. It is continuing to develop and implement best practice in anti-doping, anti-match fixing and sports science and sports medicine principles. Triathlon Australia should adopt key changes to the constitution to achieve greater compliance with the principles, including the chair to be elected by the board, and that the CEO cannot be appointed to the board within three years of leaving the role.


medal target 0–1




medal target 1–2


48

volleyballbeach P

indoor (men) P

Total investment 2016–17: $2,832,000 (high performance: $2,337,000; participation $450,000; other: $45,000)


Beach

Two women’s pairs qualified for Rio. The top women’s pair of Louise Bawden and Teliqua Clancy finished equal fifth, exceeding their seeding of No. 7. The second pair of Maria Fe Artacho del Solar and Nicole Laird were unseeded and finished 19th overall. Unfortunately, no men’s pairs achieved qualification for Rio.

Volleyball Australia conducted a review with all coaching and technical leadership positions advertised. The technical director/head coach position have been filled together with all other coaching positions. This represents a significant change of culture and approach.

Volleyball Australia believes the athletic talent exists within the program to return beach volleyball to the podium during the Tokyo cycle.

Indoor

The men’s indoor team had a disappointing year in 2016 and did not qualify for Rio, this is despite defeating a number of top teams in the world during the previous three years.

Volleyball Australia conducted a full review of the team performances across the Rio cycle following the conclusion of the 2016 World League. This review identified a number of issues that have resulted in structural, cultural and personnel changes including a search for, and subsequent appointment of a new head coach.

Retention of the experienced senior athletes is essential to future performance. A new player support scheme is being introduced for the Volleyroos in 2017.


Volleyball Australia is progressing with its governance and has been working to make the necessary changes in line with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. Volleyball Australia provides significant opportunity for stakeholder engagement through national forums and made effective use of a recent board evaluation. It should adopt key changes to the constitution to achieve greater compliance with the principles including a maximum term in office for directors to serve no longer than 10 years.

2016 benchmark event // beach — Olympic Games

medal target 0–1



2016 benchmark event // indoor — Olympic Games (men)

medal target 0–1



49

water polohigh performance (men) P




The Water Polo performance for both the women and men were below expectations in Rio.

Performances across the cycle suggested the programs were on track with a medal for the women; and a top-eight result for the men. The program achieved medal placings at all but one international tournament across the Olympic cycle.

The women lost the quarterfinal in Rio and the men’s team finished just outside the top eight. Both teams suffered injuries during the Olympic campaign, testing the depth of quality players in key positions.

The leadership and management of the program progressed throughout the cycle and the operations manager has positively impacted the program.

The schedule enabled athletes to experience the correct amount of international competition in the Olympic year but an increase in quality and quantity of high-pressure games is a focus for the next cycle.

Over the Rio cycle this program continued to develop new athletes in an attempt to increase the player depth with international experience in the women’s program. The introduction of a national junior program was a positive but was impacted as the Olympics neared with the junior head coach also a national assistant coach.


Water Polo has improved its governance performance and performs well when benchmarked against other Australia’s Winning Edge sports. It should prioritise the need to develop a whole of sport strategic plan, improve their gender balance and focus on developing its sports science and sports medicine framework.


medal target 0–1




medal target 1


50

weightlift inghigh performance P



Weightlifting made a number of positive moves in 2016, including the implementation of an athlete management system within a decentralised environment, as well as rationalising its direct athlete investment into the athletes most likely to succeed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Weightlifting has also activated a review of its coaching structure and will look to implement key recommendations in 2017.

The sport continues to build capability in athletes leading up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Following strong performances at the Commonwealth Senior Championships in October 2016, as well as current high rankings within the Commonwealth, medal-winning performances are expected at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Australian Weightlifting Federation recruited experienced high performance coordinator, Brendan Kennedy, to support CEO Michael Keelan in delivering the high performance program leading into the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Weightlifting’s performances at the 2016 Olympic Games were on target with two Top 16 placings — Simplice Ribouem (94kg) — 13th and Tia-Clair Toomey (58kg) — 14th.


The sport is continuing to perform well against the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles. It would benefit from undertaking a board evaluation in 2017, which should incorporate a skills audit of current board members. The Australian Weightlifting Federation should continue to develop its integrity framework, with particular attention given to sports science and sports medicine, anti-match-fixing and member protection policies and the training and education that underpins these policy documents.


medal target –


51

wheelchair tennishigh performance P

Total investment (Tennis Australia) 2016–17: $1,173,750 (high performance — para $261,250; participation $712,500; other $200,000)

ASC funding as a percentage of total income: Less than 1%

Australia had a team of five wheelchair tennis athletes at the Rio Games. The standout performances were the gold medals won by Dylan Alcott in the quad singles and Dylan and Heath Davidson in the quad doubles. These were Australia’s first Paralympic Games medals in wheelchair tennis since Athens 2004.

The sport reviewed its wheelchair tennis high performance plan in 2016, part of which explored how to grow the number of Australian athletes progressing towards world top 10. The outcome was the creation of a national para pathways manager position, and the appointment of dedicated state para coaches in South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.

The structure of the high performance program has now matured and is well integrated into Tennis Australia’s national strategy, with good athlete monitoring and well-developed support systems. All priority athletes have access to first class facilities and performance support services.

The program makes effective use of research and innovation opportunities such as the Australian Paralympic Committee’s seating project, for which wheelchair tennis was the pilot sport. Individually designed playing chairs were used by both Dylan Alcott and Heath Davidson.


Tennis Australia aligns very closely with the ASC’s Mandatory Sports Governance Principles and corporate governance structures and excels when benchmarked against Australia’s Winning Edge sports. In 2016 it undertook an external and independent board evaluation and will continue to implement the recommendations from that process. Tennis performs very well against the integrity principles, particularly around child and member protection. It may wish to consider introducing the disclosure of administration expenses including key management personnel in meaningful bands within its reporting.


medal target 0–2


52

2017 benchmark event targets (Australia’s Winning Edge sports)

Foundation sports

Sports with a record of achieving multi-medal or consistent team medals at Olympic, Paralympic, world championship or Commonwealth Games level.

These sports are expected to make the largest contribution towards Australia’s Winning Edge targets.

Sport Event Total medals Non-medal target

Min Max

Olympic sports

Athletics World championships 2 4 0

Basketball Women Asia Cup 0 0 Finish top 4

Bowls 8 Nations Events 3 4 0

Canoe World championships 2 3 0

Cycling World Track Championships 5 7 Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines

Diving FINA World Championships 2 3 0

Equestrian Virtual Benchmark Event Rankings

2 2 1 individual and 1 team in the top 3 of 2017 Virtual Benchmark Event Rankings

Hockey Men World League 3 - 2018 World Cup Qualification

0 0 Top 5 in World League 3 and qualify for 2018 World Cup

Netball Constellation Cup 1 1 0

Rowing World championships 1 2 0

Sailing Various 1 4 0

Shooting ISSF World Cups 1 2 0

SkiSnowboardOWI World championships 2 3 0

Swimming World championships 8 12 0

Triathlon World Triathlon Grand Final (Rotterdam)

0 1

Water Polo Women World championships 0 0 1-1 (4th – 8th) and Exposing new athletes to international competition

53


Min Max

Paralympic sports

Archery World championships 0 0 1 x 4th-8th

Athletics World championships 12 18 0

Basketball Men Wheelchair

IWBF Asia Oceania Zone Cup 1 1 0

Basketball Women Wheelchair

IWBF Asia Oceania Zone Cup 1 1 0

Cycling World Track Championships 5 7 0

Equestrian Virtual Benchmark Event Rankings

0 0 1-2 athletes in the top 5 of 2017 Virtual Benchmark Event Rankings

Ski and Snowboard World championships 2 4 0

Swimming World championships 9 15 0

Wheelchair Rugby IWRF Asia Oceania Championships

1 1 0

54

Prospective sports

Sports with success at the last Olympic, Paralympic Games or World championships, and likely to medal at the next Olympic or Paralympic Games.


Min Max

Olympic sports

Archery World championships 0 0 1-1 (4th – 8th)

Baseball World Baseball Classic 0 0 1-1 (4th – 8th)

Basketball Men Asia Cup 0 0 1-1 (4th – 8th)

Boxing Men’s world championships 0 0 1-1 (4th – 8th)

Football Women Asia Games 0 1 World Cup Qualification

Golf Major Tournaments 1 2

Gymnastics World championships 0 0 1-2 (4th – 8th) and 1-2 (9th – 16th)

Hockey Women World League 3 - 2018 World Cup Qualification

0 0 Top 5 and qualify for 2018 World Cup

Modern Pentathlon Champion of Champions 0 1 0

Rugby7s Men World Series 0 0 0-1 (4th – 8th) & 1-1 (9th

– 16th)

Rugby7s Women World Series 1 1 Top 2 World Series

Softball Japan Cup 0 1 0

Squash World Doubles Championship 1 2 0

Surfing World Surf League 1 2 0

Taekwondo World championships 0 0 1-2 (4th – 8th)

Volleyball Beach World championships 0 0 1 x top-10 finish

Water Polo Men World championships 0 0 1-1 (4th – 8th) and qualification to the 2018 world championships

Weightlifting Commonwealth championships

4 5 0

Paralympic sports

Rowing World championships 0 1 Athlete group in development phase

Shooting World Shooting Para Sport (formerly IPC) World Cup

0 1 Exposing more athletes to high quality international competition

Triathlon World Triathlon Grand Final 1 2

55

National and/or iconic sports

Sports with gold medal success at the Commonwealth Games or culturally significant sports with gold medal success at a world championships.


Min Max

Badminton World rankings 0 0 Two doubles pairs ranked inside world top 20

Cricket Women ODI World Cup 1 1 0

Judo World championships 0 0 2-2 (9th – 16th)

Surf Life Saving International Surf Rescue 1 1 Gold medal target for team’s event

Table Tennis World cups 1 2 1-2 top 3 Commonwealth rankings at the 2017 World Cups

Volleyball Mens Indoors

World Championships Qualification Tournament

0 1 0

Emerging Paralympic Sports

Sports likely to achieve a top eight finish and have an outside medal chance at the next Olympic Games, or likely to achieve a medal at the next Paralympic Games. These sports have longer term potential.


Min Max

Canoe World championships 1 2 0

Table Tennis Oceania Para Championships 0 0 Qualify 5 athletes for the 2018 World Individual Championships

Wheelchair Tennis World Team Cup and world individual rankings

0 0 1-2 (4th – 8th) and 2-3 (9th – 16th)

1-2 x 4th-8th

(World Team Cup: 5th-6th)

Supported Australian Paralympic Sports

Sports that receive investment from the Australian Sports Commission.


Min Max

Boccia BISFed Asia and Oceania Championships

0 0 0

Goalball Asia Pacific Championships 0 0 Qualify for the 2018 World Championships

56

governance

Australia’s Winning Edge 2012–2022, promotes the critical link between sports governance and business capability, and the achievement of high performance success. The ASC has identified continued evolution of governance practices within Australian sport as an important element of improving performances in and out of the sports arena. It is important for all organisations to continually work with their stakeholders to achieve higher standards of governance and adopt best practice across their sport. These standards provide a benchmark for the priority Australia’s Winning Edge sports and the broader sports industry.

In 2013, the seven sports that received the highest levels of ASC funding were required to meet the Mandatory Sports Governance Principles (MSGP). From 2016, the number of sports subject to the MSGP increased to 23. The ASC supports these sports through direct partnerships to best enable them to achieve the MSGP. The ASC also helps sports outside this group with advice and support to ensure the benchmark of best practice governance is achievable across the sector.

In line with Play.Sport.Australia., the ASC’s sport participation game-plan, the ASC’s Participation and Sustainable Sports Division invests in the continued improvement and growth by providing expertise, advice and support to sports. It has worked with sports such as Basketball, Rowing, Golf, Sailing, Canoe and Hockey to build their capability in governance, management, workforce, commercialisation and participation.

growing the number of women on national sporting organisation boards

As part of the MSGP, the ASC affirmed the need for sports to proactively grow the number of women on their national boards. Of the top 23 funded NSOs, there is an average of 39% female representation on boards, which is a 12 per cent increase since the introduction of the MSGP in March 2013. The ASC notes that all of the top 23 funded sports have at least 25% female representation on their boards, with only Diving (29%), Equestrian (25%), Olympic Winter Institute (25%) and Water Polo (25%) having less than 30% female representation on their boards.

ausport .gov.au

Documents

Sports tally for the year 2016 – No - ausport.gov.au · sports tally for the year 2016 NO. ii. 1 contents setting the scene 3 a podium view 4 ... So at the conclusion of the 2016–17