The Summit Program, now in its third year, aims to assist coaches who are working at the highest level in Australian sport with triathlon, softball, paddle and sailing among the sports represented this year.

AusCycling Head Coach of Endurance Gene Bates said he was honoured to be included in the program.

“I’m looking forward to learning and collaborating with some of Australia’s leading coaches,” he said.

“To be included in the program with such a high calibre of coaches is an honour within itself,” Swimming Australia Technical Lead Tracey Menzies-Stegbauer added.

Participants will meet virtually every three weeks over the next six months to collaborate, share learnings and test new ideas. AIS High Performance Coach Development Advisor Dr Paul Perkins who facilitates the program, said the social learning approach, inspired by traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge sharing is what makes the program so valuable.

“The Summit Program is special because it provides a hierarchy-free learning zone where members believe their contributions matter and feel a sense of connection with one another.

“It also provides coaches with an external support system they can turn to for advice and to share ideas.”

Rowing Australia Senior Coach Ellen Randell and National Diving Coach Mathew Helm are eager to build connections and share learnings with other program participants.

“I know sharing experiences with coaches on similar paths has led to real learning and growth in my early coaching journey and I am very keen to continue this throughout the Program,” Randall said.

Three-time Olympian Helm added: “I’m really looking forward to expanding my network of likeminded individuals and sharing ideas and challenges that are unique to the HP sporting landscape."

The newest members join a network of esteemed coaches that continue to meet and lean on each other for support, including Diamonds Coach Stacey Marinkovich, Swimming Australia head coach Rohan Taylor, and Four time-Paralympian and Para-athletics Coach Louise Sauvage.

The network is expected to play a valuable role for coaches in the lead up to Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and other upcoming major sporting events.

“At last year’s Commonwealth Games, we saw many Summit coaches taking time out of their busy schedules to catch-up and cheer each other on in Birmingham,” Perkins said.

Learn more about the AIS Summit Coach Program and HP Coach Development Strategy.

2023-24 AIS Coach Summit Program participants

Dan Atkins, Triathlon

Gene Bates, Cycling

Michael Blackburn, Sailing

Rob Hammond, Hockey

Laing Harrow, Softball

Mathew Helm, Diving

Jimmy Owens, Paddle

Ellen Randell, Rowing

Tracey Menzies-Stegbauer, Swimming