Anu Francis embarks on double mission in Paris
Para triathlete Anu Francis has two goals in Paris: to bring home gold and raise the profile of rainbow athletes on the world stage.
28 August 2024
Para triathlete Anu Francis has two goals in Paris: to bring home gold and raise the profile of rainbow athletes on the world stage.
Francis recently attended the inaugural Play with Pride Brunch in Adelaide. Photo credit: Adelaide University Sport and Fitness
Earlier this year Francis was named an ambassador for the 2024 AIS Thrive with Pride (TwP) Program, which sees athletes drive LGBTIQ+ inclusion initiatives within their sporting communities.
“I wanted to get involved because I didn’t see any LGBTIQA+ representation in my sport within Australia,” Francis shared.
“I’ve found triathlon to be an incredibly inclusive and welcoming sport, so I would like to showcase that and help remove barriers to the queer community being involved in sport.”
On top of preparing for the Paralympics, Francis has been busy pursuing this new role.
Most recently she joined fellow ambassador and Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham as a panellist at Adelaide University Sport and Fitness’s inaugural Play with Pride Brunch.
“A key message that I shared was that sports shouldn’t wait for a queer athlete to join their sport before looking at their inclusion policies and showing their support for the LGBTIQA+ community.
“Furthermore, it shouldn’t be solely up to queer athletes to forge our own pathways toward inclusion. We need sporting organisations and clubs to be active allies and lead this initiative in collaboration with queer leaders, because inclusion and equity is everyone’s responsibility.”
Francis’ dedication to the program has led to her becoming a Pride House, opens in a new tab and Compete Proud, opens in a new tab ambassador for Paris 2024.
“This will give me the opportunity to raise the profile of LGBTIQA+ high performance athletes on the international stage as I make my Paralympic debut in Paris this September.”
This week she will join a record 12 Australian para triathletes (plus one guide) at the Paralympic Games, making it the nation’s biggest ever squad to compete.
And having the support of her TwP family has made it extra special.
“I want to thank the Thrive with Pride Program for giving me the support and reassurance I needed to be out and proud in all aspects of my life, including in my career as an elite athlete.”
Para triathlon will commence on September 1 with athletes racing through the heart of Paris to complete a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.
