The Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) are proud to announce that many of their alumni will represent Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These athletes have journeyed from promising young talents to elite competitors, with foundational support of RAS programs. The Regional Academies of Sport have a strong track record, with over 30% of Australia’s medals at Rio and Tokyo being won by RAS alumni.
The Academies have played a crucial role in developing these athletes by providing access to strength and conditioning services, educational programs, and top-tier coaching. This support has been instrumental in guiding young athletes along their pathways to the elite level, culminating in their participation at the Paris Olympics.
2024 has been a big year with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) formally recognising the Regional Academies of Sport as official Australian Olympic Training Centres. RAS are poised to play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of Olympians for Los Angeles 2028, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
As athletes prepare for Paris and future Olympic Games, the resources and support offered by RAS will continue. The success of past Olympians, in part nurtured by the Academies, emphasises RAS’s effectiveness and sets a promising precedent for current and future athletes. Looking ahead, the Paris 2024 Olympics and beyond will see these Australian Olympic Training Centres continue to cultivate world-class talent, ensuring that regional NSW remains a vital contributor to Australia’s sporting success.
Twenty six RAS alumni will compete in various events, showcasing diverse talent, these athletes are:
- Nicola Olyslagers – Central Coast Academy of Sport – Athletics
- Molly Picklum – Central Coast Academy of Sport – Surfing
- Dylan Littlehales – Central Coast Academy of Sport – Canoe Sprint Para
- Mariah Williams – Hunter Academy of Sport – Hockey
- Nathan Power – Hunter Academy of Sport – Water Polo
- Torrie Lewis – Hunter Academy of Sport – Athletics
- Brin Liddell – Hunter Academy of Sport – Sailing
- Matt Dawson – Hunter Academy of Sport – Hockey
- Corey Toole – Southern Sports Academy – Rugby Sevens
- Jocelyn Bartram – Southern Sports Academy – Hockey
- Jessica Fox – Western Sydney Academy of Sport – Canoe Slalom
- Noemie Fox – Western Sydney Academy of Sport – Kayak Cross
- Gordon Allan – Western Sydney Academy of Sport – Para Cycling
- Lachlan Sharp – Western Region Academy of Sport – Hockey
- Emilie Miller – Western Region Academy of Sport – Wheelchair Rugby
- Alice Arnott – Northern Inland Academy of Sport – Hockey
- Ryley Batt – North Coast Academy of Sport – Wheelchair Rugby
- Emma McKeon – Illawarra Academy of Sport – Swimming
- Ellen Perez – Illawarra Academy of Sport – Tennis
- Flynn Ogilvie – Illawarra Academy of Sport – Hockey
- Blake Govers – Illawarra Academy of Sport – Hockey
- Keiran Wooley – Illawarra Academy of Sport – Skateboarding
- Grace Stewart – Illawarra Academy of Sport – Hockey
- Sarah Carli – Illawarra Academy of Sport – Athletics
- Jasmine Greenwood – Illawarra Academy of Sport – Para Swimming
- Telaya Blacksmith – Illawarra Academy of Sport – Para Athletics
To keep up with all of the amazing RAS Alumni use the Regional Academies of Sport Olympic Schedule here: Olympic Schedule
Regional Academies of Sport Chairman and CEO of Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport, Brett O’Farrell comments “What better way to kick off Australia’s Paris Olympic Games campaign than watching Jess Fox, RAS alumni, leading our national team as Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony.”
“Alumni like Jess Fox perfectly illustrate how the Regional Academies of Sport’s support to regional athletes is instrumental in helping them progress along the pathway. Jess is a former Future Star athlete of the Western Sydney Academy of Sport in Canoe Slalom. Jess made her debut at the London 2012 Olympics and has since won an Olympic Gold medal, an Olympic Silver, two Olympic Bronze medals, and 14 world championships in Kayak and Canoe Slalom. She is a remarkable ambassador for the Regional Academies, demonstrating growth not only as an athlete but also as an individual.”
“The recognition of Regional Academies as Australian Olympic Committee Training Centres, and our strong ties to NSWIS and State Sporting Bodies shows these pathways offer great opportunities for aspiring regional athletes.”
“I’m not expecting much sleep around the Regional Academies of Sport camps over the next month with our Olympic viewing schedule jam packed.”
The Regional Academies of Sport extend their best wishes to all RAS alumni and the wider Australian Olympic Team, as we eagerly support them at home.
