New leadership and voices join AIS Athlete Advisory Committee

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Athlete Advisory Committee has had a fresh injection of experience, welcoming three new athlete representatives as well as two members of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Board. 

Basketballer Tess Madgen, who captained the Australian Opals to an Olympic bronze medal in Paris, world champion pole vaulter Nina Kennedy and Commonwealth Games gymnast Mitchell Morgans have joined the committee, which makes recommendations to the ASC Board on matters and issues impacting high performance sport. 

Two-time Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist Bridie Kean has been appointed as the new Chair, with fellow ASC board member and two-time Olympian Lydia Williams also joining the committee. 

“Athletes are the ones living out our Win Well Strategy in their performances so it’s important we understand their perspectives and experiences,” Kean said. 

“Through this role, I want to ensure the athlete voice is as impactful as possible to the direction and operations of high performance sport.” 

After securing gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Kennedy said she was motivated to contribute beyond the track. 

“I’m at a stage in my career where I want to give back to the sport, the community and the organisations that have supported me so genuinely,” she said. 

Morgans added: “If we want high performance sport to keep evolving in the right direction, it’s important that the people at the centre of it – the athletes – are part of the conversation. 

“I want to advocate for athlete wellbeing, especially around injury management, mental health, and life after sport.” 

The AIS acknowledges and thanks outgoing members Rowie Webster, Angus Armstrong, and Josh Booth, as well as former Chair Kurt Fearnley, for their valued contributions to the Committee over the past few years.  

Learn more about the AIS Athlete Advisory Committee.