Myriam Fox and Louise Sauvage join AIS program to mentor next generation of coaches

Thirty-six of Australia's top high performance coaches have partnered with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to guide the next generation of coaches ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Myriam Fox, who has guided her athletes to 14 world titles and seven Olympic medals in canoe slalom, Australian Netball’s Stacey Marinkovich, and wheelchair racing great Louise Sauvage are among those who have signed on to the AIS High Performance (HP) Mentorship Program which will support the development of 40 emerging coaches — a record number of participants — over the next 12 months.

“The AIS HP Coach Mentorship Program is central to our commitment to nurturing talent, not only among athletes but also the coaches who guide them,” Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said.

“World-class athletes need world class coaches so it’s crucial we make sure our coaches have the development and support they need, especially with Brisbane 2032 on the horizon.

“To have a record number of coaches taking part in the 2025 edition of the mentorship program is a testament to our national head coaches and I thank them for sharing their time, skills and experience to nurture the next generation.”

Mentor and mentee coaches have been matched according to skills, experience and location to enhance development and connection opportunities, with Fox paired with newly announced Rowing Australia National Talent ID and US-Based Women's Lead Coach Hally Chapman.

“It’s crucial to encourage women in coaching at every level, especially in high-performance areas, where men have traditionally dominated. This field can be intimidating, so knowing we are not alone is invaluable,” Fox said.

Chapman said: “Partnering with a mentor like Myriam Fox will provide me with a deeper understanding of sport and my place within it, enabling continuous growth.

“I admired her success in Paris and loved watching the joy she shared as part of that team. I'm excited to learn more about her journey, how she got to where she is today and the experiences that shaped her career.

Under the guidance of the AIS HP Coach Development Team, mentors and mentees will meet regularly to work on their individual goals, as well as attend monthly online sessions to share learnings and connect with the wider group.

Learn more about the AIS HP Coach Mentorship program and other HP Coach development opportunities.

The 2025 HP Coach Mentorship program participants: