New AIS Swimming Agreement Paves Way for Brisbane 2032 Olympic Success
A groundbreaking cross-border partnership has been established to enhance Australia's swimming prowess, directly inspired by the success of Olympic champion Bronte Campbell. This new agreement aims to create a robust pathway for elite swimmers, setting the stage for potential gold medal triumphs at the upcoming Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.
Bronte Campbell's Winning Formula
Bronte Campbell, one half of Australia's legendary swimming sister duo, attributes her recent Paris Olympic gold medal to a unique training arrangement. The 31-year-old champion split her time between training at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra and sessions in Sydney, working with ACT-based coach Shannon Rollason while maintaining connections in the Harbour City.
"I wouldn't have competed in Paris had I not been able to split my time training between Canberra and Sydney," Campbell revealed. "I wanted to train under Shannon Rollason, but also return to Sydney once a month. So I'm appreciative that ACTAS and NSWIS ensured I had the support services I needed as I moved between the two hubs."
Campbell believes this balanced approach played a crucial role in securing her third Olympic gold medal, along with a bronze across her four Olympic appearances. Her success in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay at the Paris Games has now become the blueprint for a formalised national program.
The New Swimming Australia Technology Hub
The newly formed Swimming Australia technology hub at the AIS represents a significant collaboration between multiple sporting bodies. This partnership brings together the ACT Academy of Sport, the NSW Institute of Sport, Swimming NSW, and Swimming Australia to create a unified training ecosystem.
This innovative arrangement will allow ACT and NSW-based athletes to follow a similar dual-hub training model to Campbell's successful approach. Eligible swimmers will gain access to the AIS pool with its advanced technology for perfecting dives and turns, along with recovery facilities and gymnasiums.
"It's because I know this arrangement works, I welcome the agreement," Campbell stated. "I believe it's great development for fellow swimmers to have the option to train in an environment that suits their needs."
Nurturing Future Champions
The program is designed to support emerging talent alongside established champions. Future stars like Albury's Sienna Toohey, 19-year-old Olympic gold medallist Olivia Wunsch, and Paralympic medallist Chloe Osborn will benefit from AIS training camps under this new agreement.
Swimming Australia high performance general manager Greg Shaw highlighted the technological advantages that have already proven successful. "The AIS has led the way with swimming technology for more than 40 years and this partnership for the AIS technology hub will ensure our athletes are again starring on the global stage," Shaw explained.
Shaw pointed to Cameron McEvoy's 50m freestyle gold medal in Paris as evidence of the AIS's technological impact. "We saw Paris gold medallist Cam McEvoy use the high-tech block developed at the AIS to power his performance in Paris. Now this technology, and advancements on it, will be available to swimmers in Canberra and potentially help the next generation of NSW swimmers like Sienna Toohey and Olivia Wunsch power to sprint and relay dominance."
Building Toward Brisbane 2032
This strategic partnership represents more than just immediate training improvements—it's a long-term investment in Australia's swimming future. By formalising the successful model that helped Campbell achieve Olympic glory, Australian swimming authorities are creating a sustainable pathway for talent development.
The agreement ensures that both established athletes and rising stars can access world-class facilities and coaching while maintaining flexibility in their training locations. As Australia looks toward hosting the Olympic Games in Brisbane in 2032, this cross-border collaboration positions Australian swimmers for potential dominance on home soil.
With proven technology, experienced coaching, and a flexible training model now available to more athletes, this AIS partnership could well become the foundation for Australia's swimming success at the Brisbane Games and beyond.
