Minister Colbeck said the Government’s continued support for our elite stars had strengthened their competitive footing for the fortnight ahead and beyond.

Through the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the Government has invested more than $29.8 million directly into Australia’s winter athletes and sports over the past four years - an increase of almost 50 per cent on the previous Olympic cycle.

Funding to winter sports in this four-year preparation includes $2.5million in direct athlete grants, known as dAIS.

“We wish this Australian team the best of luck, they’ve done all they can to prepare for this moment despite the enormous challenges provided by the global pandemic. We can’t wait to see them perform in Beijing,” Minister Colbeck said.

“There has been record funding ahead of these Games, and that has been complemented by AIS support through innovation and technology, medicine and sport science, wellbeing and community engagement, coaching and leadership, as well as high performance facilities.

“The Government was proud to be the major supporter of the new Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre in Brisbane, which is the only dedicated water jump facility in the Southern Hemisphere.

“All of this is about setting a foundation for sustainable success, so that we’re supporting our Australian winter athletes of today and, at the same time, bringing through those emerging athletes who will be our representatives in the future.”

Australian Sports Commission Chair Josephine Sukkar AM said: “After four years of hard work and persistence, our winter athletes are set to capture the hearts and minds of Australians everywhere as they compete before the world in Beijing.

“With the support of the Australian Government we are giving Olympic and Paralympic greater certainty over their funding to plan further in advance. Later this year, the AIS will announce funding for the next four years to assist winter sports plan and build towards Milano-Cortina 2026 and beyond.

“I’m extremely proud of the strong collaboration that is building across Australian sport, a result of the National High Performance Sport Strategy 2024. Our Summer Olympic and Paralympic teams in Tokyo, and now Beijing, have had to navigate some incredible hurdles, but our athletes continue to thrive.

“To the Australian Olympic Committee and Chef de Mission Geoff Lipshut, congratulations on your hard work and leadership to bring this team together in Beijing.”

Acting AIS CEO Matti Clements congratulated Australia’s athletes and said AIS support was broader than funding.

“These athletes show incredible commitment and tenacity to earn Olympic selection and represent Australia. Take alpine skier Greta Small, she has worked with the AIS Intensive Rehabilitation team to recover from three major knee injuries to qualify for her third Olympic Games, which shows amazing strength.

“It will be fantastic to see aerial skier Laura Peel and figure skater Brendan Kerry carry the Australian flag in tonight’s Opening Ceremony and I’m sure our Australian athletes will inspire the next generation.”