16 May 2024
Athletes have reacted with excitement to the Australian Government’s $249.7 million upgrade of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
Prime Minister The Hon Anthony Albanese made the announcement at the AIS last Friday to a crowd which included Olympians Michelle Heyman and Monique Suraci, and Paralympian Vanessa Low.
The Australian Government funding will support the build of a new multi-purpose indoor sport dome, a state-of-the-art Testing and Training Centre, and new athlete accommodation.
Matilda’s star Heyman, who trains regularly at the AIS, is especially excited about the dome being an all-weather facility.
“I think it's huge,” Heyman said.
“I'm pretty much here every single day and to have a training facility that's going to be undercover is going to be incredible.”
“It makes me feel proud; proud to be Aussie, proud to represent my country, and proud to train here to be the best athlete possible.”
Canberra local Suraci, who has been selected to make her Olympic debut in Paris, is also excited to see the AIS campus develop.
“Growing up in sport, the AIS was always the place I wanted to train, so this is really exciting for me,” Suraci said.
“I think athletes coming from other states into the ACT and training here will be very lucky to have world-leading facilities – and it’s exactly what they need to be the best-of-the-best.”
Low, who is based at the AIS while she trains to defend her long-jump Paralympic gold medal in Paris, believes the new training spaces and accommodation will be a “game-changer” in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Games.
“With updated facilities, I think we have a great shot at having the best possible outcome in Brisbane,” Low said.
“Giving a good home base, where athletes feel comfortable and supported, will make a massive difference in the next eight years.”
