AIS proud to support world class wind tunnel in Adelaide
Australian athletes for generations to come will have the benefit of a world class wind tunnel at home, after the Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics (ACSA) was officially opened in Adelaide today.
09 July 2024
Australian athletes for generations to come will have the benefit of a world class wind tunnel at home, after the Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics (ACSA) was officially opened in Adelaide today.
The wind tunnel – the only sport specific centre for aerodynamics in the southern hemisphere – has already been utlilised by athletes preparing for the Paris 2024 Games, with the facility to be now in demand by winter athletes focused on Milano Cortina 2026.
Suited for both able bodied and para athletes, the multi-sport facility can replicate speeds of up to 110km per hour and supports precision aerodynamic performance improvements in a range of summer and winter sports including cycling, snowboarding, and swimming.
Coaches, athletes, and aerodynamicists can analyse the wind resistance forces to make changes to athlete positions, clothing, event strategy, and equipment, all critical elements in the hunt for success against the world’s best.
The AIS invested $3 million in the facility, and Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said: “The AIS, through the Australian Sports Commission, is proud to have partnered with the South Australian Sports Institute to deliver this important facility.
“We have already seen how the wind tunnel has helped with those crucial one percenters for our athletes preparing for Paris, and it will continue to be a game changing resource for Milano Cortina 2026 and on the road to Brisbane 2032.
“The facility is a tangible example of how the Australian high performance sport system is united and working together to provide a world leading environment for athletes to win well and achieve their full potential.”
ASC EGM of AIS Performance Matti Clements with NIN Directors at Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics in Adelaide.
The wind tunnel is located alongside the new SASI development in Adelaide and Director Keren Faulkner said: “The podium positions at an Olympic/Paralympic Games can often by determined by milliseconds so having access to train in a sports wind tunnel could be the difference between winning or missing out on a medal.
“The versatility of the wind tunnel is also key where the use of it can be modified to benefit both para and able-bodied athletes.”
The wind tunnel is the latest world class facility allowing Australian athletes to train year-round at home, joining other venues that the ASC has invested in such as the Geoff Henke Winter Olympic Training Centre in Brisbane.
