The lucky 13

Thirteen athletes have been named as 2025 AIS Thrive with Pride ambassadors.

The AIS Thrive with Pride Program offers rainbow athletes and allies the opportunity to join an inclusive community and drive LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives.

One of the AIS’ most impactful programs, Thrive with Pride has welcomed more than 50 athlete ambassadors from different sports since 2022.

Previous ambassadors have launched new initiatives, won national awards and educated leaders in sport.

Among the excited 2025 cohort, Matildas star Alex Chidiac cannot wait to get to work.

“I hope that through this program we can help those who currently don't feel safe to engage with sport to get involved in something they may already love or find a new passion,” she said.

Chidiac has represented Australia at various times over the past decade, but the Melbourne Victory FC player still finds time to volunteer with the Big Issue North Melbourne Women's Street Soccer Program.

“I've always had a strong connection to community and I feel my most important role as an athlete is to use my position of privilege for good.

“I am excited by the opportunity to learn and develop alongside an amazing community of athletes across the country.”

Thrive with Pride ambassadors will hear from a range of inclusion experts and learn how to become leaders who drive important initiatives within their chosen sport.

Paralympic Triathlete, Anu Francis is one of the 8 previous ambassadors returning to build on the progress she made as an ambassador in 2024.

“On top of raising awareness for LGBTIQA+ inclusion in sport through the promotion of my Thrive with Pride involvement online and on social media, I hope to partake in more speaking engagements and run some initiatives at my triathlon club, TriSA Events and for AUSTriathlon.”

Francis’ focus this year will be on up-skilling triathlon staff and athletes and getting them on board as active allies.

More information about the program can be found here: Thrive with Pride Program | Australian Institute of Sport

2025 athlete ambassadors:

• Alex Chidiac, Football Australia
• Alyssa West, Water Polo Australia
• Anu Francis, AusTriathlon
• Campbell Harrison, Sport Climbing
• Carly Salmon, Football Australia
• Greta Small, Snow Australia/ OWIA
• Julie (Jae) Charlton, Australian Athletics
• Kalinda Robinson, AusCycling
• Katerina Paul, Snow Australia
• Lachlan Davis, Gymnastics Australia
• Lee Schraner, Bowls Australia
• Serena Bonnell, Bowls Australia
• Sofie Pontre, Water Polo Australia