Now in its second year, the program will see rainbow athletes and allies drive LGBTIQ+ inclusion initiatives within their sporting communities over the next six months.

Australian Diamonds player Ruby Bakewell-Doran is one of five Queensland-based athletes to be selected into the program and is passionate about creating safe sporting environments for all ages.

“For me being part of the Thrive with Pride Program is a step towards creating spaces where people really feel like they belong and are free to express themselves as they truly are.”

“Authenticity should never be hindered - it’s what makes us go from good to great. And as an ally, I want to help empower people in the LGBTIQ+ community to bring their whole selves, in spaces that will always have their backs.”

Sprint cyclist Kalinda Robinson echoed this and is determined to improve the experience for the next generation of athletes.

“As a young athlete growing up in a rural area with discrimination highly prevalent, LGBTIQ+ representation in sport gave me hope that I might one day have the courage to live my truth.”

“My aspiration in putting myself forward for the Thrive with Pride Program was to provide younger athletes with more representation so that they might be brave enough to live true to their identity, and to educate others in the creation of a safe and supportive community.”

2022 Commonwealth Games lawn bowls medallist Serena Bonnell is also eager to use her profile to push for more inclusive practices within sport.

“As a Para athlete I know what inclusion is intimately and I know how exclusion can negatively impact the trajectory of someone’s life.”

“I am excited to be an ambassador because I believe sport should be accessible for all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, ability or background.”

AIS Acting Director Matti Clements congratulated each of the new ambassadors and said the appointment has come at a momentous time.

“We know how powerful the athletes voice is so to have sixteen Australian athletes helping to educate and drive such important initiatives and conversations is really exciting.”

“There’s also a huge amount of momentum at the moment with close to 20 sporting events being held during the Sydney WorldPride 2023 festival, all aimed at promoting visibility and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people in sport, which is what our program is all about.”

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has once again engaged the expertise of Pride in Sport and Proud 2 Play who will work alongside the athletes to ensure they feel equipped and empowered to be role models in this space.

More information about the program can be found here.

2023 AIS Thrive with Pride ambassadors:

Alyssa West, Water polo Australia, South Australian Sport Institute 
Amelia Catt, Sailing, West Australian Institute of Sport 
Charlotte McShane, Triathlon, NSW Institute of Sport 
Greta Hayes, Hockey, NSW Institute of Sport 
Heath Thorpe, Gymnastics, NSW Institute of Sport 
Kalinda Robinson, Cycling, South Australian Sport Institute 
Katerina Paul, Snow, Victorian Institute of Sport 
Kaylia Stanton, Netball, Victorian Institute of Sport 
Maria Strong, Athletics, Victorian Institute of Sport 
Matthew Mitcham, Diving, NSW Institute of Sport 
Natalya Diehm, BMX, Queensland Academy of Sport 
Nikki Ayers, Rowing, ACT Academy of Sport 
Poppy Starr Olsen, Skateboarding, NSW Institute of Sport 
Rowie Webster, Water polo, Victorian Institute of Sport 
Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Netball, Queensland Academy of Sport 
Serena Bonnell, Bowls, Queensland Academy of Sport