Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the Talent Search?

Australians aged 13-23 (born from 2001-2011) are eligible for the Talent Search. Australians aged 13+ with an eligible impairment for Paralympic sport can apply for the Paralympic Talent Search (born 2011 or earlier).

What if I am outside the age range?

This is a targeted program, and we are only accepting registrations from individuals aged 13-23 for the Talent Search, and 13+ years for the Paralympic Talent Search. This Talent Search is not the only way for athletes to become an elite athlete. There are existing talent pathways in sports where athletes identified as having potential are offered opportunities through sporting organisations. If you fall outside of our age ranges and want to have a go, join a local sporting club today! Please go to AOC (https://www.olympics.com.au/sports/ ) or Paralympics Australia (https://www.paralympic.org.au/get-involved/) to find a club near you.

I don’t have any experience in sport, or in the sports in this program, can I still apply?

Yes, we encourage you to apply. You are not required to have any prior sport experience, and every sport is looking for something different. Some sports are looking for athletes with sport experience who can transfer their skills and abilities, and other sports are looking for athletes who are completely new to sport but with the characteristics for success in that sport. The Talent Search is aimed at identifying your individual strengths to see if you have potential for the participating Olympic and Paralympic sports.

What if I am a former elite athlete but too old for this program?

Please contact AIS Performance Pathways to discuss talent transfer opportunities at futuregreenandgold@ausport.gov.au

What if I am a current elite athlete looking to change sports?

We encourage you to apply through the website, or if you would like to discuss your situation, please contact AIS Performance Pathways to discuss talent transfer opportunities at futuregreenandgold@ausport.gov.au

Are athletes with a disability eligible for this program?

Yes, this talent identification program is designed to identify para-athletes too. We are working in partnership with Paralympics Australia and the para-sport National Sport Organisations at every stage of this Talent Search. Please click here to learn more about the Paralympic Talent Search.

I have completed a registration, when will the testing commence?

Once you have registered we will be contacting those eligible with further information around talent search dates. The first will be held in Adelaide on October 1 with the others to follow in the coming weeks.

What if I am unable to attend a Talent Search session?

There will be several opportunities to attend sessions across Australia. Furthermore we will work with those applying for para sports on a case-by-case basis to ensure people have the opportunity to participate.

What if I am an Australian permanent resident but not a citizen?

We can only accept applications from Australian citizens or individuals eligible for citizenship.

What if my preferred sport isn’t listed?

With so many sports, it isn’t possible for this program to identify athletes for every sport. We encourage you to consider registering to see if you have what it takes to potentially make it in a different sport you might not have otherwise considered. Sports also have their own talent pathways that support athletes who are identified as having potential. If you are an aspiring athlete for a sport that isn’t listed, join a club today! Please go to AOC (https://www.olympics.com.au/sports/ ) or Paralympics Australia (https://www.paralympic.org.au/get-involved/ ) to find a club near you.

Will there be testing in regional areas?

Many talented athletes come from regional areas, and this Talent Search aims to find talent from all over Australia. We are continually exploring ways to support athletes in these areas, and we encourage you to register so we can notify you of opportunities as they arise.

If I get offered an opportunity in a new sport, do I have to give up my current sports?

No, you do not have to give up your current sport/s. If you do get selected by a sport, you will be offered the chance to participate in a trial period, and there are no guarantees that you will be invited to continue after this period. If you do continue in the new sport in the long term and are identified as having real potential, eventually it will be necessary to prioritise the main sport – this will be done progressively over time and in full consultation with you.

I’ve registered for an event like this before, should I register again?

Yes! Even if you have attended a Talent Search or Paralympic Talent Search (or similar) before, you are encouraged to register again. Even if you weren’t selected last time, with the time to grow, develop, and refine your skills, you may now be ready for the challenges of elite Olympic and Paralympic sport. This Talent Search may also include different sports to previous events, and what sports are looking for can also change over time.

What’s an eligible impairment for Paralympic sport?

Any athlete aspiring to compete in para-sport must have an underlying health condition that leads to a permanent Eligible Impairment. There are 10 Eligible Impairment types: Impaired Muscle Power; Impaired Passive Range of Movement; Limb Deficiency; Leg Length Difference; Short Stature; Hypertonia; Ataxia; Athetosis; Vision Impairment; and Intellectual Impairment. If you are unsure if you have an impairment eligible for Paralympic sport, we encourage you to register and we will be in contact to assist you. For more information, please visit https://www.paralympic.org.au/classification/

Will I be reimbursed for any travel costs?

All travel costs associated with transport to and from the event will be the responsibility of the participant.