Future stars sharpen skills alongside their idols at AIS camps

The focus was firmly on the next generation of Australian Olympians, Paralympians and Commonwealth Games athletes during a busy February and March at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

Almost 1000 athletes, coaches and support staff from 13 sports visited the Canberra campus over the last two months, with more than half of the 27 camps dedicated to supporting pathway athletes and emerging talent.

Swimming Australia’s National Para Camp combined the Flippers squad of junior athletes with the Dolphins, meaning 17-year-old Amelie Springett-Kelly had the opportunity to train alongside the likes of Paris 2024 Paralympic gold medallists Tim Hodge and Alexia Leary.

“The national team is amazing; I love training with them,” Springett-Kelly said.

“They've honestly been like older siblings to me, and they give me so much advice, like just to relax in the pool and take it one step at a time.

“What’s great about being at the AIS for this camp is just connecting with everyone and having the facilities in such short distances - the coaches, the physios, the occupational therapists and nutritionists, you can ask them anything and they'll always help you.”

With pool and land-based training sessions, the camp served as crucial preparation for the elite Para Dolphins as they gear up for the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore later this year.

“To go to these camps and train with other athletes and learn off each other, I think that's incredibly valuable and gives us the tools and the experience we need when comes to the world stage,” Hodge said.

Boxing Australia took a similar approach at their National Women’s Development camp, inviting two-time Olympian and Paris bronze medallist Caitlin Parker to help inspire the next generation.

“It wasn't that long ago that I was in their shoes, so if I can help in any way, shape or form or just even show them the medal, hopefully that motivates them a little bit more,” Parker said.

The future of the Australian Weightlifting Federation was also on show as the strength of their juniors was put to the test in the AIS High Performance Gym, while Basketball Australia occupied the courts to prep for the under-19 World Cup, which will be held in Switzerland in June and July.

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