2 0 0 8 / 2 0 0 9 yearbook and annual report The Western Australian Institute of Sport 2008/2009 Yearbook and Annual Report

Challenge Stadium, Stephenson Avenue, Mt Claremont, Western , 6010. PO Box 139, Claremont, 6910, . Telephone 08 9387 8166 Facsimile 08 9383 7344 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wais.org.au 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 2 3

Contents Premier’s Foreword

2 Contents The highlight of the Paralympics was the Gold Medal from the men’s team, which included (Captain) and 3 Premier’s Foreword fellow WAIS athletes, , and Michael Hartnett. 4 Chairman’s Report Outstanding swimmer, , also captured a Gold Medal in the 100 metres backstroke after breaking her own World record in a 5 Executive Director’s Report blistering final at the Water Cube. 6 WAIS Board The vision of WAIS is ‘to produce champions’. For the next generation of 7 WAIS Structure Olympians and Paralympians, these champions and their performances are the inspiration that allows them to dream of greatness, work hard 8 WAIS Staff and make the sacrifices required to excel in their sport. For the broader 10 Hall of Champions community, they are the inspiration to dream of great things in their everyday life. The role of WAIS is fostering these attitudes, and bringing 11 Athlete of the Year these hopes and dreams to reality is paramount in today’s society.

12 Champions Breakfast I highly commend the WAIS Board of Directors, Chairman, Grant Boyce, 14 Scorecard Executive Director, Steve Lawrence, and the Institute staff on their efforts in supporting and preparing Western Australian athletes selected 16 2008 in the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Teams for Beijing. It would also be remiss of me not to acknowledge WAIS’ strategic partners, the 18 2008 Beijing Department of Sport and Recreation, LotteryWest, Australian Sports 19 Coaching Commission and Venues West (formerly State Sports Centre Trust) for their significant contribution to both the Institute and broader State 20 WAIS Coaches sports agenda. 22 Individual Athlete Support Program The Government recognises the importance and value in providing the 24 Athletics opportunity for our most talented athletes to fulfill their potential with support from their home environment. Ensuring that there is a 26 Baseball strong talent pool and quality programs both in and outside of WAIS is 28 Canoeing critical to sustained success. Therefore, it is extremely pleasing to see the high level of cooperation between the WAIS, the Department of 30 Cycling Sport and Recreation and our State and regional sporting associations.

32 Diving Finally, I acknowledge that the great success of our WAIS programs is 33 Football Women's not possible without the continued dedication and commitment of our elite athletes and the many volunteers who underpin their development 34 from grass roots level. Their achievements, along with the international COLIN BARNETT MLA: PREMIER acclaim afforded to our State and country, would not occur without the 36 Hockey Men’s enormous sacrifices that come from each individual athlete and the 38 Hockey Women’s FROM THE PREMIER OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA and WAIS PATRON, numerous people who contribute to their development along the way. The Hon Colin Barnett MLA 40

42 The State Government highly values the significant role of the Western 44 Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) in the support and development of our elite sportsmen and sportswomen. The Australian Olympic 46 Softball Committee’s continued endorsement of WAIS as an Olympic Training Centre, and the outstanding achievements of our Olympic and Paralympic 48 athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, is testament to the critical 50 Men’s role that WAIS plays within the Australian sporting system. Colin Barnett MLA Premier 52 Water Polo Women’s In another memorable chapter in the history of Western Australian sport, WAIS athletes contributed to 18 medals in the 2008 Australian 55 Athlete and Coach Services Olympic and Paralympics Team Medal Count (4 Gold, 7 Silver and 7 56 Sport Science Bronze Medals) and overall 28 WAIS athletes brought home medals from Beijing. It should also be acknowledged that a number of WAIS staff 57 Strength and Conditioning played integral roles in the preparation and support of our elite 58 Clinical Services athletes, both prior to and during the Games. 59 Athlete Career and Education Highlights of the Olympics were pole vaulter, , and sailors, and , winning Gold Medals. Steve became 60 Corporate Services the first Australian male athlete to win a Gold Medal in 61 Finance & Administration 40 years as he cleared 5.96 metres to claim Gold and the Olympic record in the pole . Western Australia’s dynamic duo, Tessa and Elise, 62 Public Relations continued this State’s proud history in the 470 yachting event by following in the footsteps of WAIS coach, , who won 64 Sponsors Page Gold in the same event at the 2000 Olympic Games. 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 4 5

Chairman’s Report Executive Director’s Report

There are many people who deserve acknowledgement for the success in Staffing the past year. The most significant organisational change made during the past year was the restructure of the previously named Programs Department into State Government and Sponsors the Coaching Department. The focus of this change was to provide WAIS continues to receives generous support from the State Government greater organisational capacity to support the role of our coaches as regardless of which party is elected. In the early part of the year the the leaders of our sport programs. An unfortunate impact of this change Minister for Sport and Recreation was the Hon John Kobelke and we was the redundancy of the Programs Department manager and program sincerely thank him for his enthusiastic support. There was a change in co-ordinator positions. It has therefore been pleasing to observe that the State Government in September 2008 and the current Minister, the the new structure is already generating some of the benefits sought. Hon Terry Waldron, has also been very supportive. The State Government through LotteryWest contributed in excess of $4 million to WAIS in The internal restructure, the uncertainty in the national sports system 2009. and the general economic environment has provided a challenge for all staff. Their focus and commitment to achieving their goals and in I also thank Mr Ron Alexander, the Director of the Department of Sport supporting each other in this difficult environment has been all you and Recreation, and his staff for their valuable assistance and guidance. would expect from a high performance team. WAIS is accommodated at Challenge Stadium and our relationship with Graham Partridge, Chairman of Venues West, and David Etherton, the Internal Processes Chief Executive Officer, has always been very beneficial. The WAIS scholarship programs were significantly changed, after nearly 24 years of operation, during the past year. The decision to restructure The Board and people the scholarship programs was made to create efficiency and increase The Board members have again been generous with their time and effectiveness by simplifying and streamlining the resource allocation and commitment to WAIS. The outstanding performances and results could management process. The creation of a reduced number of scholarship not have been achieved this year without the tireless work of the Board categories with standardised terminology and moving the responsibility and the staff. STEVEN LAWRENCE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and accountability for planning all aspects of scholarship benefits to sport program athletes being the key changes made. The outcome of The Board has a very good balance of skills and expertise which provides The past year has again seen WAIS celebrate athlete gold medal success these changes has been increased focus on the athletes needs and a for robust debate on many of the strategic issues that we face. I would at the Olympic, World Championship and Paralympic level. Steve reduction in the level of management required to administer scholarships. like to thank all members but in particular our Deputy Chairman, Mr. Hooker’s win (and Olympic record) in the men’s along with This change complemented the restructure of the Programs Department. Mike O’Neill. His experience and wise counsel are greatly appreciated. Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson’s win the women’s 470 sailing event In addition I would like to thank two Board members who retired during at the Beijing Olympics were the highlight. The senior World Cycling The Athlete and Coach Services Department also undertook a review of the year and they are Meredith Eddington and Amanda Wheeler. Both Championship wins of young cyclists Cameron Myer and Josie Tomic, the the criteria and process used to determine allocation of its resources. Grant Boyce: Chairman have been significant contributors to the success at WAIS and I Paralympic golds of swimmer Katrina Porter and men’s wheelchair The outcome of this review has seen a change in the process to allocate sincerely thank them for their efforts. basketball quartet Justin Eveson, Brad Ness, Shaun Norris and Michael resources which should assist in improving staff workload management. This year has been a milestone year for WAIS as it celebrates 25 years Hartnett speak bounds for the breadth of success in international of providing opportunities for talented Western Australian athletes to The successes of the WAIS athletes is directly related to the extraordinary competition WAIS supported athletes have achieved in the past year. Finance achieve excellence in elite sport. WAIS started out as an initiative of efforts of Steve Lawrence and his management team who have continued Underneath these gold medal winning performance have been another The 2008 budget provided an increased State Government financial the Burke Labor Government and the late Wally Foreman was appointed the tradition of WAIS being a leader amongst the State Institutes in 20 WAIS athletes with medals at Olympic, World Championship or commitment to WAIS for the 2012 Olympiad. This increased commitment as the inaugural director in 1984 and he commenced operations from an Australia. The staff at WAIS are superbly lead by a management team Paralympic Games. The details of these fantastic performances are was to a level that would allow WAIS to operate 14 sport programs – office at the Department of Human Movement at the University of comprising Martin FitzSimons, Kaushik Bhowmick, Simon Jones, Alan recorded within this report. our operational scope since 2001 – with the assumption that the sport Western Australia. Black, Liz Chetkovich and Simon Moore-Crouch. program partners (NSOs) would also increase their contribution. This For WAIS to continue to support athletes to successfully achieve this was a reasonable assumption given NSOs had not increased their In the 25 years since much has changed as WAIS has evolved and The Future level of performance – best in world – it must continue to evolve and financial support of WAIS programs since 2005. However, one of the adapted to its operating environment and searched relentlessly for There are still a number of challenges and uncertainties that face us at therefore planning for significant organisational change was nearing impacts of the Federal Sports Minister review of the national system improvements and efficiencies in our operations, just as our athletes WAIS. There is currently an independent review of the national sport completion as our athletes left for Beijing. Following a brief period of was that ASC funding to NSOs was flat-lined. This has resulted in a do. At the same time some things remained the same and here I am system sport being conducted at the request of the Federal Minister for celebration after these Games several projects were implemented to significant downward revision of budgets for the next three years. If particularly referring to the commitment and dedication of our people sport. While this review is very necessary the report is eagerly awaited so move the Institute to a higher platform from which to support additional income is not sourced within the next 12 months it is unlikely and the strong athlete focus of the organisation. that there is a bit more certainty in the funding of sport in the future. our athletes. that WAIS will continue to support all of the current sport programs.

The past year has again provided many outstanding athletic performances The other major challenge is the lack of infrastructure that is now The impact of these changes along with the normal end of Olympic Internal and external audits of the WAIS financial management practices including gold medal success at Olympic, Paralympic and World hampering the level of services that WAIS can provide to athletes. This cycle re-organisation and the announcement of an independent review have again shown that this aspect of our operations meets the highest Championship level. Details of some of the outstanding efforts are remains a priority for the Board. of the national sports system by the federal sports minister have standard required. included in Steve Lawrence’s report which follows. In addition to these provided a very challenging work environment. WAIS is fully supportive champions there were many athletes who achieved a personal best In spite of these challenges I am confident that WAIS will continue to of the review as we believe great opportunities exist to improve the Infrastructure performance. provide outstanding support to athletes from Western Australia strategic alignment and management of all system stakeholders. In the The lack of appropriate quality and range of core infrastructure and a interim WAIS remains a committed member of NESC and its work. lack of funding to resolve this issue in the near term has led to the The WAIS Board has just completed its strategic plan for the period Board downgrading its athlete targets for the 2012 Olympiad. Resolving 2009 to 2013 and of course this covers the period of the build up and Partnerships the infrastructure issue remains the Board’s most important strategic the staging of the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in . For WAIS The WAIS Board made the decision, in line with its strategic framework, goal. Over the past year, with the assistance of the Department of Sport to successfully support athletes striving to represent Australia it to undertake a management review of all current sport programs and to and Recreation and contracted consultants a revised business case for requires a clear focus and direction and the strategic plan provides also call for submissions for programs from sports who did not currently the proposed new WAIS service and administration facility at the centre that. The new plan was developed over of a period of time through a partner in a WAIS program. This review resulted in the prioritisation of of the Mt Claremont Sports Park was developed. WAIS continues to work rigorous process that involved both staff and Board members and it 23 sport program requests. Based on prioritisation of submissions with the State Government to secure the required funding to support seeks to provide the maximum outcome with the limited financial against set criteria the decision was made to not continue the WAIS this business case. Grant Boyce Baseball and Softball programs and to formalise partnerships for a resources that an organisation like WAIS has at its disposal. CHAIRMAN Diving and a Women’s Football program. The Baseball and Softball As WAIS enters its 26th year of operation the challenge remains before programs were of an excellent standard and if WAIS had the available us to ensure that our efforts continue to provide the quality of resources these programs would have been continued, however, this opportunities that have been afforded thousands of Western Australian was not the case. aspiring and current elite athletes since 1984. The process to formalise sport program partnership arrangements was impacted by uncertainty created as a by product of the independent review of the national sport system. However, the positive relationships between WAIS and its sport partners has seen the resolution of all major Steven Lawrence issues and all sport programs have returned to full operational status. Executive Director

2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 6 7

WAIS Board Key Result Areas

WAIS has identified five key result areas that are critical to fulfilling Internal Processes our purpose. These KRA’s therefore provide focus for our strategic WAIS requires effective and efficient internal processes to ensure direction. organisational resources are implemented to deliver maximum output towards its purpose. Partnerships WAIS will create partnerships with the sporting community, government Finance and other stakeholders in order to access resources and or knowledge WAIS is dependent upon financial capacity, systems and processes to to enhance the benefit and opportunities for our elite athletes. deliver the vast majority of required resources, both human and physical, to achieve its purpose. People As an organisation focused on delivering quality services to athletes, Infrastructure WAIS requires staff capable of enabling the organisation to achieve its To enable and deliver services to athletes, WAIS requires access to objectives. suitable infrastructure.

MR Grant Boyce MR RON ALEXANDER MS MEREDITH EDDINGTON MR STEVEN LAWRENCE ms amanda wheeler (Chairman) (retired May 2009) (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR) (retired May 2009) WAIS Structure

Minister

Board

Ms jenny morris Mr michael o’neilL REV. ANDREW SYME MRS FIONA TORY Executive (DEPUTY CHAIRMAN)

Principle 4 Community Values Purpose WAIS will uphold community values in all aspects of its operation. WAIS athletes are role models for the community and therefore must To provide opportunities for talented Western Australian athletes reflect its values in their actions and interactions on and off the field. to achieve excellence in elite sport with support from their WAIS recognises the right and responsibility of athletes to train and home environment. compete in a fair, ethical, healthy and safe environment. Performance Enhancement Corporate Services Vision Organisational Values To Produce Champions Organisational culture is core to WAIS achieving long term sustainable success. Our culture is defined by valuing people and excellence in all aspects of our operations. Guiding Principles Athlete and Coach Finance and Coaching Public Relations The philosophies guiding WAIS operations are defined by the Goals Services Administration following principles. 1. To maximise Western Australian representation on Australian Teams. Principle 1 International Focus Finance Communications 2. To enhance the performance of Australian Teams. Sport Science Coach Management WAIS will allocate resources to support the ultimate attainment of elite athlete performance at the open international level. Clinical Services Coaching Administration Community Principle 2 Western Australian Significance Development Human Resources WAIS will focus its efforts on assisting athletes competing in sports Key Performance Athlete Career & Education Program Partner Program that are culturally significant to the Western Australian community. Management WAIS will also be cognisant of local infrastructure and environmental Indicators Strength and Conditioning Information Technology factors potentially influencing elite and potential elite athlete training and competition performance. 1. WAIS athlete representation on Australian Teams. Performance Analysis 2. WAIS athlete World-Class* performance. Principle 3 Partnerships Individual Athlete Support Program WAIS recognises that it is a specialist provider to sport and must act in *Top individual or top four multiple athlete performance in selected partnership with sport. WAIS will allocate resources to enhance the major event support provided by sports to their athletes. Partnerships should reflect an inclusiveness of Western Australia in the national system. 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 8

WAIS Staff

EXECUTIVE Rowing Antonio Maurogiovanni, Head Coach (til 24/3/09) Executive Director Antonio Maurogiovanni, Performance Manager Steven Lawrence (commenced 25/3/09) Jason Lane, Senior Coach (resigned 8/5/09) Executive Assistant/Events Coordinator David Milne, Rowing Coach (part-time)(commenced 1/5/09) Natalie Graham Sean Leyland, Junior & Development Coach (resigned 13/8/08)

Sailing CORPORATE SERVICES Belinda Stowell, Head Coach

Finance and Administration Swimming Greg Hodge, Performance Manager (commenced 4/5/09) Finance and Administration Manager Coaching Group Manager - Invasion Sports Kaushik Bhowmick Alan Black (commenced 11/5/09) Senior Finance and Administration Officer Baseball Honnie Dobber (part-time) Don Kyle, Head Coach (til 31/3/09) Finance and Administration Officer Women’s Football Kristin Chabrel (part-time) John Gibson, Head Coach (commenced 12/5/09) Administration Assistant Hockey (Men) Lorren Portolan David Bell, Head Coach Receptionist Hockey (Women) Jessica Roberts Neil Hawgood, Head Coach Human Resources Officer Netball Vanessa Gilbert (resigned 8/1/09) Michelle Wilkins, Head Coach Software Developer Softball Photo: RAW Image Adrian Broughton Kere Johanson, Head Coach (til 31/3/09)

Water Polo (Men) PUBLIC RELATIONS Andrei Kovalenko, Head Coach (til 31/12/08) Paul Oberman, Head Coach (commenced 2/2/09) Public Relations Manager ATHLETE AND COACH SERVICES Athlete Career and Education Stephanie Neesham (resigned 15/10/08) Water Polo (Women) Athlete and Coach Services Manager Athlete Career and Education Co-ordinator Simon Moore - Crouch Peter Szilagyi, Head Coach Martin FitzSimons Heather McGregor-Bayne Public Relations Officer Coaching Group Manager - Acrobatic Sports Athlete Career and Education Counsellor Chris Abbott Head of Gymnastics Jennifer Marsh Elizabeth Chetkovich Sport Science Athlete Career and Education Training Officer COACHING Gymnastics Exercise Physiologists Tim Chambers Nikolai Lapchine, Senior Coach Ted Polglaze (resigned 29/5/09) Sports Programs Manager Martine George, Senior Coach Claire Rechichi (part-time) (resigned 12/6/09) Tim Mahon (til 31/10/08) Vladimir Joura, Senior Coach Ben Dascombe (resigned 20/2/09) Dhana Antulov, Coach (resigned 26/7/08) Peter Peeling (commenced 25/3/09) Clinical Services Coaching Group Manager-Racing Sports Michelle Yardley, Coach (commenced 21/7/08) Sacha Fulton (commenced 15/6/09) Simon Jones Peter Abbott, Coach (commenced 25/2/09) Medical Co-ordinator Tatiana Lapchina, Choreographer/Coach (part-time) Sport Psychologists Dr Carmel Goodman (part-time) Athletics Carly Brockis, Coach (casual) Heather McGregor-Bayne Brian Glencross (part-time), Performance Manager Heidi Rose, Coach (casual) Matthew Burgin Nutritionist Lyn Foreman, Head Coach – Track Salli Wills, Coach (casual) Deborah Kerr (part-time) Grant Ward, Head Coach – Field Caroline Wright, Coach (casual) Biomechanists Alex Parnov, Head Coach – Pole Vault Andrew Lyttle Taryn Neville, Assistant Coach – Pole Vault Diving Matthew Doyle Iris Deng, Head Coach (commenced 1/2/09) Canoeing PhD Candidates Ramon Andersson, Head Coach (part-time) Program Coordinators Frankie Tan Michael Pond, Assistant Coach (part-time) (commenced 1/1/09) Andrew Smith (resigned 30/1/09) Matt Keys Ruth Tyson (resigned 12/12/08) Cycling Darryl Benson, Head Coach Strength and Conditioning

Head of Strength and Conditioning Gilman Barnitt

Strength and Conditioning Coaches Greg Morgan Naruhiro “Geish” Hori 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 10 11

Hall of Champions Athlete of the Year

2007/2008 Steve Hooker (Pole Vault), Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson (Sailing)

History was made when the 2007/2008 WAIS Athlete of the Year Award was awarded to multiple winners for the first time. Steve Hooker, Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson, were all lauded for the gold medal winning heroics at the 2008 Beijing Games at the WAIS Annual Dinner.

Hooker rose to fame at the Beijing Olympics after becoming the first Australian male to win a field Olympic gold medal in 60 years, whilst Rechichi and Parkinson overcame incredible odds to continue Western Australia’s proud tradition in the 470 sailing class.

Hooker also claimed an Olympic record of 5.96m echoing the achievement of fellow West Australian John Winter who won a gold medal in the field (high jump) at the 1948 London Olympic Games. Other than Olympic Gold, 2007/2008 also saw Hooker win a bronze medal in the 2008 World Indoor Championships in Valencia and become just the 15th man in history to jump six Photos: RAW Image Photos: RAW Image metres. Kate StarrE accepting her award Barbara de la Hunty accepting the Legend Peter Schrader accepting the award on Rechichi and Parkinson became the first West Australians to win award on behalf of her LATE mother, behalf of his LATE father, Jim Schrader gold at the Beijing Games when they secured the 470 women’s Shirley de la Hunty title on day ten of competition. The dynamic duo emulated the feat of WAIS sailing coach Belinda Stowell who won gold in the same event at the 2000 Olympic Games. Rechichi and Parkinson Photo: RAW Image The Western Australia Hall of Champions perpetuates the achievements Two new Champions were also inducted into the Hall. They were: were also named as joint winners of the 2008 Female Sailor of the of Western Australia’s best athletes. Entrance to the Hall signifies Kate Starre (Hockey) Year award by Yachting Australia after winning bronze at the 2008 Joint winners Tessa Parkinson, Elise Rechichi and Steve Hooker that the athlete has achieved at the highest level of their sport in a Jim Schrader (Harness Racing) World Championships. accepting their awards manner befitting a champion. Kate Starre, was born in Armadale on 18th September 1971, and won At the 2008 Annual Dinner Shirley de la Hunty became the second two Olympic gold medals as a midfielder for Australia at the 1996 athlete elevated to Legend status in the Western Australian Hall of Atlanta and 2000 Games. Brilliant, high spirited, tough and Champions, joining champion middle distance runner Herb Elliot as a versatile, she played 212 internationals for her country. At her best in Legend of WA sport. pressure situations Kate was a vital member of the Hockeyroos’ successful penalty corner battery. Shirley de la Hunty, born in Guildford on 18th July 1925, is a triple Olympic gold medallist. Shirley de la Hunty was an outstanding Jim Schrader, was born in Kalgoorlie on December 4th 1931, and was sprinter and hurdler who proved to be one of the greatest women an outstanding reinsman in a trotting career lasting 30 years from performers in track and field history. She won the 80m hurdles at the 1950 to 1980. He was twice Australia’s leading driver and five times 1952 Helsinki Olympics and again in in 1956 when she also won Western Australia’s top award. Schrader was the first Western collected a gold medal in the 4 x 100m relay. Australian to represent Australia in the World Drivers’ Championship in Europe in 1973.

The selection committee for the Hall of Champions comprises Ken Casellas, Liz Chetkovich, Alan East, David Hatt (Chairman), Glenn Mitchell, Pam O’Connell, Wendy Pritchard and Ray Wilson. The members of the committee provide their time and expertise freely and without recompense and the Board extends its sincere appreciation for their assistance. Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

Steve hooker with his HISTORY MAKING gold medal Elise Rechichi & tessa Parkinson CELEBRATE BECOMING THE SECOND WAIS ATHLETES TO WIN A SAILING GOLD MEDAL. 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 12 13

Champions Breakfast

'V. U V

Photo: RAW Image Photo: RAW Image Photo: RAW Image

Vicky Parnov – Accepting the coach gymnAst – cyclist Sarah kent – of the year award on behalf of her ace award winner Junior Athlete of the Year father, pole vault coach Alex parnov r

Photo: RAW Image

champions breakfast award winners

The Western Australian Institute of Sport celebrated the outstanding The second section of awards were presented by WAIS Chairman Grant achievements of its staff and athletes over the preceding 12 months Boyce and recognised: at the 2009 Champions Breakfast, held at the University Club in May. f

Olympic gold medal winner Steve Hooker was guest speaker at the Best New Initiative – Matt Doyle (Biomechanist) breakfast and spoke of overcoming injury and how to prepare for the unexpected. Hooker also spoke of the emotion of achieving Olympic gold, his lifelong ambition. Coach of the Year – Alex Parnov (Pole Vault)

The first section of awards honouring WAIS athlete achievements over the past 12 months were presented by The Minister for Sport and Sport Program of the Year – WAIS Canoeing Program Recreation, the Hon. Terry Waldron. Photo: RAW Image Photo: RAW Image Photo: RAW Image Chairman’s Award – Sonja Johnson (Equestrian) Athlete Career and Education – Lauren Mitchell (Gymnastics) biomechanist Matt Doyle – RAMON ANDERSSON, CANOEING HEAD Jeff Peterson accepting the BEST NEW INITIATIVE COACH – PROGRAM OF THE YEAR triumph award on behalf of boxer anthony Little Junior Athlete of the Year – Sarah Kent (Cycling)

Disabled Athlete of the Year – Katrina Porter (Swimming)

Triumph Award – Anthony Little (Boxing) 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 14

Athlete Scorecard 2008

KPI – NATIONAL TEAM KPI – WORLD CLASS (AT BENCHMARK EVENT) 2008 PERFORMANCE 2008 WAIS WAIS WAIS WAIS% WAIS WAIS% AUST NO OLYMPIC SPORTS STATUS TARGET ACTUAL AUST NO ACTUAL AUST NO Athletics PV Program 3 2 66.7% 1 1 100.0% Athletics T&F Program 2 1 5.3% 0 7 0.0% Canoeing (Sprint) Program 2 1 9.1% 1 6 16.7% Cycling (Track) Program 2 2 15.4% 3 12 25.0% Gymnastics (Artistic) - Women Program 2 3 50.0% 0 0 NA Hockey - Men Program 2 3 18.8% 3 16 18.8% Hockey - Women Program 4 5 31.3% 0 0 NA Rowing Program 7 6 12.5% 0 12 0.0% Sailing Program 2 2 11.8% 2 8 25.0% Softball Program 2 0 0.0% 0 15 0.0% Swimming Program 3 2 4.7% 4 73 5.8% Water Polo - Men Program 4 3 23.1% 0 0 NA Water Polo - Women Program 2 2 15.4% 2 13 15.4% Basketball ISS 1 0 0.0% 0 12 0.0% Boxing ISS 1 1 11.1% 0 0 NA Canoeing (Slalom) ISS 1 1 20.0% 1 3 33.3% Cycling (MB & BMX) ISS 3 2 28.6% 1 2 50.0% Equestrian ISS 2 3 25.0% 4 7 57.1% Gymnastics (Artistic) - Men ISS 1 0 0.0% 0 0 NA Shooting (Pistol) ISS 1 0 0.0% 0 0 NA Shooting (Rifle) ISS 0 1 20.0% 0 1 0.0% Tae kwon do ISS 1 1 25.0% 1 1 100.0% Tennis ISS 1 1 12.5% 0 0 NA Triathlon ISS 1 0 0.0% 0 2 0.0% Volleyball (Beach) ISS 1 0 0.0% 0 0 NA TOTAL 51 42 11.3% 23 187 12.3%

WAIS WAIS WAIS WAIS AUST NO % TEAM % TEAM NON OLYMPIC SPORTS STATUS TARGET ACTUAL ACTUAL Netball Program 2 1 8.3% NWC NWC NA TOTAL 2 1 8.3% NA NA NA

WAIS WAIS WAIS WAIS % TEAM AUST NO % TEAM PARALYMPIC SPORTS STATUS TARGET ACTUAL ACTUAL Cycling ISS 2 0 0.0% 0 17 0.0% Equestrian ISS 1 1 20.0% 1 5 20.0% Swimming ISS 3 3 8.6% 6 93 6.5% Powerlifting ISS 1 1 33.3% 1 2 50.0% Wheelchair Basketball ISS 3 5 20.8% 5 24 20.8% Wheelchair Rugby ISS 1 1 10.0% 1 10 10.0% Sailing ISS 4 4 66.7% 4 5 80.0% TOTAL 15 15 11.5% 18 156 11.5%

Grand Total 68 58 10.4% 41 343 12.0%

Photo: RAW Image 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 16

2008 Beijing Olympic Games

The 2008 Olympic Games was a highly successful campaign for the Western and , Bell finally claimed an elusive after a Australian Institute of Sport, with 42 of the 49 West Australians who phenomenal run in the final. Kayaker Lisa Russ also claimed bronze as a represented Australia in Beijing holding WAIS scholarships. member of the flatwater K4 500m squad that surprised everyone but Olympics and Paralympics themselves to storm home in the final 100m to finish third behind In total 15 of these athletes returned to WA from the Chinese capital with and Hungary. a medal – three with gold, four with silver and eight with bronze. Water polo athletes and played in All of the Western Australian medallists at the Games were WAIS athletes Australia’s epic penalty shoot-out win over Hungary in the women’s bronze with WA as a State contributing to two gold, three silver and five bronze medal match. After the scores were tied at 7-7 following two periods of medals on the Australian medal tally in Beijing. The list of Australian extra time, Knox proved the hero by saving two crucial penalties in the medallists from WA was impressive in its breadth, with the medals won shoot-out, which sparked wild celebrations that saw all players and the across eight different sports. team Coach, jumping into the pool to embrace Knox following her heroics. Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson won one of Australia’s two gold medals in sailing when they took out the 470 sailing competition in Qingdao. The 2004 Gold Medallist captained the Kookaburras to a bronze WAIS pair dominated in the light winds, and showed experience beyond medal success in his final match for his country. George was joined by their years, belying the fact it was their first attempt at Olympic level. fellow WAIS athletes and , who both played in Rechichi and Parkinson needed only to finish ninth or better in their final their first Olympic campaigns in Beijing. The Kookaburras were unlucky not race to claim gold, a task that the girls accomplished successfully. to feature in the gold medal match, after Spain rallied from a goal down to take victory in the dying moments of their semi-final match. Steve Hooker’s victory in the men’s pole vault was one of the highlights of the Games. Not only for being the first Australian male track and field success in 40 years, but for the sheer determination and perseverance Hooker demonstrated in time and again clearing crucial heights at his third and final attempt. The euphoric scenes of Hooker’s Coach Alex Parnov Olympic Medallists jumping the barricades to embrace his triumphant charge will not be soon forgotten. GOLD Steve Hooker Pole Vault WAIS had three representatives on the Australian equestrian team which Elise Rechichi Sailing took home the silver medal. Sonja Johnson along with husband and wife Tessa Parkinson Sailing riders Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks maintained Australia’s proud tradition in Olympic equestrian with second place in the three day eventing competition in Hong Kong. Australia had led after the dressage on day one silver and was neck and neck with Germany following day two’s cross country. Clayton Fredericks narrowly missed out on gold on day three, after Germany claimed Lucinda Fredericks Equestrian victory by a margin that equated to just one penalty gate in the show Sonja Johnson Equestrian jumping competition. (Dual) Swimming

World record holder Eamon Sullivan had a busy schedule in Beijing and returned home with two silver medals and a bronze. His race in the 100m BRONZE freestyle was one of the most exciting moments of the Olympic Games. Canoeing Racing against Frenchman Alain Bernard, Sullivan turned at the 50m mark Lisa Russ Canoeing in front, but he was hauled in by a finger nail at the wall despite setting Bevan George Hockey a world record in the semi-final. Sullivan picked up two more medals in the Fergus Kavanagh Hockey freestyle and medley relays for Australia. Kiel Brown Hockey Eamon Sullivan Swimming Triple Olympian Robin Bell produced the performance of a lifetime in Gemma Beadsworth Water Polo winning bronze in the C1 slalom in Beijing. After near misses in Sydney Emma Knox Water Polo 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 18

2008 Beijing Paralympic Games

The Western Australian Institute of Sport was represented brilliantly by 15 athletes across eight different sports at the 2008 Paralympic Paralympic Medallists Games in Beijing, with WAIS athletes returning gold medals in wheelchair basketball and swimming amongst an impressive medal tally. GOLD Katrina Porter Swimming WAIS athletes dominated the men’s wheelchair basketball team, with Justin Eveson Wheelchair Basketball four representatives on the gold medal winning Rollers team. Michael Hartnett Wheelchair Basketball Individual scholarship holders Shaun Norris, Justin Eveson, Michael Bradley Ness Wheelchair Basketball Hartnett all played significant roles in the Rollers success, whilst the Shaun Norris Wheelchair Basketball team was captained by fellow WAIS athlete Brad Ness. The 54-47 gold medal match win over Canada erased the heartbreak of Athens, where the Rollers lost out to the same opposition in the final. silver Powerlifting The wheelchair basketballers were joined on the top of the medal dais Rachel Cox Sailing by swimmer Katrina Porter, who claimed a gold medal in the S7 Grant Boxall Wheelchair Rugby Women's 100m Backstroke. Porter won in a world record time of 1:24.30, breaking the previous record which she set in qualifying for the final. BRONZE Sailing WAIS athlete and dual Paralympian, Darren Gardiner lifted 230kg and Graeme Martin Sailing a silver medal in the powerlifting competition following a fine Russell Boaden Sailing performance by the man known as “The Bear”. Gardiner's 230kg lift Clare Burzynski Wheelchair Basketball was beaten only by Iran's Kazen Rajabi Golojeh, who lifted 257kg.

First time Paralympian Grant Boxall won a silver medal in Beijing as a member of the Australian wheelchair rugby team. The individual scholarship holder featured throughout the tournament including the 53-44 loss to the USA in the gold medal match.

Sailing saw WAIS scholarship holder Rachel Cox claim a silver medal as a member of the SKUD18 class. From the last two races, Cox and her sailing partner managed a first and second place finish to ward off the challenge of Canada, who would claim bronze. The USA team won gold with 11 points well clear of Australia on 18.

The crew of WAIS athletes Colin Harrison, Graeme Martin and Russell Boaden finished with a bronze medal after being pipped by the French on countback, despite being equal on points. The WAIS crew in fact finished only one point shy of gold, which equated to just one boat length.

The women’s wheelchair basketball team also contained a WAIS scholarship holder in Claire Burzynski, with her side also coming away with a medal. The team defeated 53-47 in the bronze medal play-off. Coaching

Photo: RAW Image 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 20 21

WAIS coaches Coaching Department

The end of an Olympic cycle is a logical operational period to bring about team. The former positions of Programs Manager and Program Co-ordinator Leading our sport programs with significant organisational change. Following the 2008 Olympic Games WAIS no longer exist which unfortunately saw some of the existing staff made commenced implementation of its biggest change since moving from redundant. passion and commitment to excellence. accommodation at UWA to its base at Challenge Stadium in 1987. The new cohort of Coaching Group Managers consists of three individuals For the previous 21 years the Program Department was the administrative with impressive coaching resumes from around the world, with experience home of WAIS coaches, with each coach and their program supported by a coaching athletes at the very highest levels within sports of a similar program administrator as well as the overall department manager. nature to those they are responsible for at WAIS.

In order to promote a renewed focus on the leadership role and development Coaching Group Manager - Acrobatic Sports: Liz Chetkovich of the Institute’s coaching group a move away from the basic coach/ Coaching Group Manager - Invasion Sports: Alan Black administration support model was introduced. Coaching Group Manager - Racing Sports: Simon Jones

The re-named Coaching Department is now home to a set of three senior In three of the racing sports where WAIS supports the high performance managers, with each manager having responsibility for a cohort of coaches pathway at several levels Sport Performance Managers have been employed MICHELLE WILKINS that lead a series of sports grouped by either a tactical or technical to manage and co-ordinate the program. To fill these positions WAIS has ANDREI KOVALENKO concept (Racing Sports: cycling, sailing, swimming, athletics, rowing, secured the services of three highly qualified Coach - Administrators in DHANA ANTULOV Invasion Sports: hockey, water polo, netball, women’s football and Brian Glencross - Athletics, Antonio Maurogiovanni - Rowing and Greg Acrobatic Sports: diving and gymnastics). Hodge - Swimming. IRIS DENG JASON LANE ANTONIO MAUROGIOVANNI Each Coaching Group Manager has been charged with the responsibility of leading their group of coaches, helping them to develop their coaching PAUL OBERMAN and leadership abilities, with the administration for time consuming tasks such as travel and clothing now resting within the Corporate Services

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TATIANA LAPCHINA

23 Olympic Games, Beijing, China Beijing, Games, 2008 XXIX Olympic 2008 World Taekwondo Culture Expo, Muju, Korea Expo, Muju, Culture Taekwondo 2008 World III Paralympic Games, Beijing, China Beijing, Games, 2008 XIII Paralympic China Beijing, Games, 2008 XIII Paralympic Championships, Paralympic Oceania and Games 2009 Arafura Darwin, Australia China Beijing, Games, 2008 XIII Paralympic China Beijing, Games, 2008 XIII Paralympic China Beijing, Games, 2008 XIII Paralympic China Beijing, Games, 2008 XIII Paralympic Japan Cup, , 2009 Osaka China Beijiing, Games, 2008 XIII Paralympic England Cup, Manchester, World 2009 Paralympic China Beijing, Games, 2008 XIII Paralympic China Beijing, Games, 2008 XIII Paralympic England Cup, Manchester, World 2009 Paralympic 2009 Southern Cross Challenge, Christchurch, New Zealand New Christchurch, Challenge, Cross 2009 Southern Zealand New Christchurch, Challenge, 2009 International Zealand New Christchurch, Challenge, Cross 2009 Southern Zealand New Christchurch, Challenge, 2009 International Seoul, Korea Championships, 2008 Four Continents Zealand New Christchurch, Challenge, Cross 2009 Southern Zealand New Christchurch, Challenge, 2009 International Australia Cup, Victoria, 2009 Federation Vietnam 2008 VTV Cup 2008, Can Tho, China Beijing, Games, 2008 XIII Paralympic 2009 LA Lights Invitational Championships, Los Angeles, USA Los Angeles, Championships, Invitational 2009 LA Lights Portugal Cup Poritmao, World 2009 IV Portimao Bulgaria Bourgas, Prix Bourgas, 2009 Grand Cup, South Korea World 2009 Changwon China Cup, Beijing, World 2009 Beijing China Beijing, Games, 2008 XXIX Olympic China Cup, Beijing, World 2009 ISSF Germany Cup, Munich, World 2009 ISSF Cup, Milan, Italy World 2009 ISSF Australia Games, Regional 2008 Pacific Festival, Australia Olympic 2009 Youth USA Columbia, Championships, 2009 NRA World Germany Championships, 2009 World AIS / WAIS Athletes / WAIS AIS 2008 Oceania Taekwondo Championships, , Auckland, Championships, Taekwondo 2008 Oceania Zealand New EQUESTRIAN Jarvis Sharon POWERLIFTING Gardiner Darren SWIMMING Porter Katrina McClure Jeremy Tidy Jeremy WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL Burzynski Clare Justin Eveson Ness Bradley Shaun Norris Chloe Hayes Janine Murray SHOOTING McKenzie Pam Nus Van Robyn Tirkot Kadiejayne SOFTBALL Long-Droppert Verity Leah Parry Jodie Stevenson TAEKWONDO (nee Morgan) Tina Tanrikulu Catherine Dawson TENNIS * Jessica Moore VOLLEYBALL West Tara Elite athletes with a disability hletics AT * Olympic Games, Beijing, China Beijing, Games, 2008 XXIX Olympic France Deauville, Cup Final, World 2008 HSBC UK Badminton, Trials, Horse 2008 Badminton China Beijing, Games, 2008 XXIX Olympic China Beijing, Games, 2008 XXIX Olympic Italy Sabbiadoro, Cup, Lignano World Junior 2008 Alpe Adria Hungary Cup, Budapest, World Junior 2009 Coupe Heracles Cup, Künzelsau, Germany World Junior 2009 Allstar Pokal Spain Cup, Logrono, World Junior Logrono de 2009 Ciudad Ireland Belfast, Championships, World 2009 Junior Singapore Championships, Junior 2009 Asian 2009 2nd World Cup, Porec, Cup, Porec, World 2009 2nd Turkey Cup, Antalya, World 2009 3rd Vietnam Hanoi, International, 2009 Hanoi Zealand New Auckland, City International, Shore 2009 North Australia Victoria, Series, Future 2009 Victorian Zealand New Auckland, Championships, Junior Pacific 2008 Pan Zealand New Auckland, International, City Senior Shore 2008 North Pune, Games, Youth 2008 Commonwealth China Beijing, Games, 2008 XXIX Olympic China Beijing, Games, 2008 XXIX Olympic Denmark Cup, Copenhagen, 2009 World Germany Cup 3, Augsburg, 2008 World China Beijing, Games, 2008 XXIX Olympic France Cup 1, Pau, 2009 World Cup 2, 2009 World Spain Championships, 2009 World Slovakia , Series, Open - World 2008 Slovakian Slovenia Solkan, Series, Open - World 2008 Slovenian Germany Leipzig, Series, Open - World 2008 German Australia NSW, Open, Penrith, 2009 Australian France Cup, Pau, 2009 World EQUESTRIAN Clayton Fredericks Lucinda Fredericks Sonja Johnson FENCING Sutherlan Scudds NICOLE CALLISTO & TANYA BAILEY (BMX) first the became Bailey Tanya and Callisto Nicole holders scholarship WAIS at BMX of sport Olympic new the in compete to athletes female Australian the 2008 Beijing Games. Nicole Callisto and Tanya Bailey both managed to progress through the heatsand into the semi-finals. Bailey was unable to accrue enoughto featurepoints in the Olympic final afterscuttled her sufferingchances of making the an medal unfortunateround. Callisto however, did crash BMX final. first ever Olympic to the through advance that representatives Australian ARCHERY Deonne Bridger BADMINTON Leisha Cooper Eddie Hung BMX Nicole Callisto Bailey Tanya Reynolds Lauren Robin Bell * Robin Jeffery *

22 'I I a johnson Photo: Getty Images Photo: sonj CLAYTON FREDERICKS, LUCINDA FREDERICKS & SONJA JOHNSON (EQUESTRIAN) in had Australia the national three scholarship WAIS representing holders equestrian team for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Clayton Fredericks, with along medals silver claimed all Johnson Sonja and Fredericks Lucinda equestrian the in competing after Rose Shane and Jones Megan teammates Kong. Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong at the competition eventing of score impressive an with campaign Australia’s began Fredericks Lucinda 30.40 penalty points, which alsochange includedcanter a acrossrare perfectthe held diagonalten second place on in following of aahead a fence thepenalty flying strong point four showing one dressage. of in equivalent the the by Germany cross Thetrailed country and Australian team event. jumping show three’s day fine produced all Fredericks Lucinda and Fredericks Clayton Johnson, Sonja rides but were unable to overhaul the German success. silver medal with their team, but were still thrilled second the only become Fredericks Clayton competition Olympic of Outside person to win the HSBC FEI World Cup EventingFredericks Final for avoidedthe second time. a France. near in Deauville, event prestigious fall on the cross country section to LucindaFredericks winscored amajor win at the theRolex Kentucky three-day event in the US. Fredericks’ horse Headley Britannia became only the second mareto win the prestigious tournament in Kentucky, with a score of 32.3 penalty place. second of ahead points was 6.1 penalty which points , X I and annual report annual and

bell

2008/2009 2008/2009 robin Photo: Getty Images Getty Photo:

Individual Athlete Support Program Support Athlete Individual Bell reinforced his status by claiming third place at the Australian Open C1 C1 Open Australian the at place third claiming by status his reinforced Bell event inBell Robin Open, Australian the from February,on Following Florence. David Britain's finishing behind Slovakia'sclaimed two wins and a second Matejplace finish in Benusthe three events, selection trial and to Great qualify d'Urgeull, Spain, for which will the be held in September. Canoe Slalom World Championship in Seu Robin Bell achieved a career highlight at the 2008 Beijing when Olympic event, Games canoe slalom by a in medal ever to male Australian first the becoming he won bronze in the final at the park. Shunyi rowing-canoeing Bell improved a and final produced brilliant run the throughout tournament of 180.59secs to in 2004. in Athens out on a medal missing of heartache the erase Bellbegan hisOlympic preparations withgold amedal at thethird WorldCup meet in Augsburg, Germany in July. Bell led into the final by overand aa secondhalf and negotiated the course with combinedsupreme confidencetime to of record 203.67.a Bell Indruch (CZE),finished and Krzysztofover Bieryt (POL)two in secondseconds and third respectively.clear of Tomas Robin Bell enjoyed a highly competed successful year in in his 2008/09 event. third C1 slalom canoeing in the in medal which Olympic he campaign in Beijing, winning a bronze ROBIN BELL (CANOEING – SLALOM) (CANOEING BELL ROBIN Cycling – Paralympic, Equestrian, Equestrian – Paralympic, Fencing, Men’s Men’s Fencing, Equestrian, Equestrian – Cycling – Paralympic, Paralympic, Gymnastics Paralympic, – Powerlifting Shooting, Pistol Gymnastics, Artistic – Rhythmic, Rifle Shooting, Basketball. Wheelchair Volleyball, Softball Tennis, Taekwondo, – Women’s, Swimming – Paralympic, The IASP scholarship year The runssports. different 19 fromfrom athletes 41 supported IASP 1 the Novemberyear 2008-09 to 31 October and in the current scholarship holders Archery,come from Wheelchaira wide Athletics,range of Badminton,sports including Canoe Slalom, Cycling BM The management of the IASP is handled by the ACSintent Manager of to reflectthe programthe to betterholders alignwith thethe servicesindividual availableprogram meet inscholarship the the most ACS pertinent needs department. of these athletes WAIS through seeks support. sport financial and/or to science The intent of the IASP in line withathletes the purpose to of WAIS achieveis to support success.sports WA where TheWAIS does not program run a sport is classified program as available Emerging and International where and the above to athlete under athletes the is WAIS classification athlete system. from The program does not discriminate between bodied able and sports. across disabled consistently athletes, applying the classification criteria The Individual Athlete Support Program (IASP) was born out of changes to to changes of out born was (IASP) Program Support Athlete Individual The the structure of the coaching department and the classification of WAIS athletes. The program replaces the individual scholarship scheme.

yearbook

2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 24 25

Athletics PROGRAM PARTNERS Coaches Australian Representatives Lyn Foreman Head Coach (Track) Brianna Beahan 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games 2008, Steve Hooker received a second major honour in October, being named as Alex Parnov Head Coach (Pole Vault) 100m Hurdles, Pune, India the joint winner of the WAIS Athlete of the Year at the WAIS Annual Dinner. Grant Ward Head Coach (Field) Jared Bezuidenhout 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games 2008, Hooker shared the award with fellow WAIS gold medal winners Elise Rechichi Taryn Neville Assistant Coach (Pole Vault) 110m Hurdles, Pune, India and Tessa Parkinson (sailing). Post Christmas the WAIS program partners Thomas Brennan 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games 2008, agreed to implement changes to the athletics program in an attempt to High Jump, Pune, India increase the WA high performance athlete pathway to national team Service Providers 2008 VIII European Athletics Festival, representation for WA’s talented athletes. WAIS Program Coordinator Brian Simon Jones Coaching Group Manager (from Jan 2009) Pole Vault, Bydgoszcz, Glencross accepted the newly created position of WAIS Athletics Performance Brian Glencross Program Coordinator (til Dec 2008) 2008 Jockgrim Meet, Pole Vault, Manager, where he will work to improve the existing networks that support Athletics Performance Manager (from Jan Jockgrim, Germany our WA athletes. 2009) 2008 Gaz de France Paris Saint-Denis, Gilman Barnitt Strength & Conditioning Pole Vault, Paris, France WAIS athletes competed at the ACT Interclub meet in Canberra in January. Greg Morgan Strength & Conditioning 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Pole Vault, Felipe de Castro Cruz won the 400m hurdles in a time of 52.89m. Jody Ted Polglaze Physiologist (til May 2009) Beijing, China Henry ran second in both 100m and 200m double, whilst Lyndsay Pekin Peter Peeling Physiologist (from May 2009) 2009 Milrose Meet, Pole Vault, finished second in the 400m. Andrew Lyttle Biomechanist New York, USA Heather McGregor-Bayne Psychologist 2009 Boston Indoor Games, Pole Vault, At the Graham Briggs Memorial Meet in Hobart, Jody Henry finished second Tim Chambers ACE Counsellor (til April 2009) Boston, USA in a time of 23.93secs. Lyndsay Pekin ran the 400m hurdles, placing second Heather McGregor-Bayne ACE Coordinator (from April 2009) 2009 Doneske Meet, Pole Vault, Photo: Getty Images and Ray Williams finished second in the 200m in a time of 21.16secs. Carmel Goodman Doctor Doneske, Ukraine Chris Perkin Physiotherapist 2009 GE Galan Meet, Pole Vault, KYLIE WHEELER Steve Hooker continued his fine international form winning the Millrose Jocelyn Young Physiotherapist Stockholm, Sweden Games pole vault with a personal best jump of 6.01m in New York. Vicky 2009 Melbourne Grand Prix, Pole Vault, The WAIS athletics program reached new heights in 2008/09 with pole Parnov collected third place in the women’s competition with a best Melbourne, Australia vaulter Steve Hooker winning gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, clearance of 4.08m. WAIS Program Athletes Matthew Cowie 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games 2008, setting a new Olympic Record in the process. WAIS also had four athletes Brianna Beahan Jared Bezuidenhout Shot Put, Pune, India selected for the World Championships squad. 2008/09 also brought a February proved to be a very busy month for Steve Hooker with the Olympic Amanda Bisk Thomas Brennan Steve Hooker 2008 VIII European Athletics Festival, restructure to the WAIS athletics program aimed at improving future national gold medal winner competing at seven different tournaments throughout Paul Burgess Matthew Cowie Pole Vault, Bydgoszcz, Poland team representation. the month across the US, Europe and Australia. Hooker claimed victory in Felipe De Castro Cruz Chris DeBoer 2008 Jockgrim meet, Pole Vault, each event and went close on a number of occasions to breaking world Oliver Dziubak Sean FitzSimons Jockgrim, Germany July started the Olympic theme with three WAIS scholarship holders officially record holder Sergei Bubka’s mark of 6.15m. Hooker’s best result came in the Jody Henry Steve Hooker 2008 Gaz de France Paris Saint-Denis, selected into the Australian Olympic team for Beijing. Paul Burgess was Boston Indoor Games, where he cleared the second highest jump of all time Christopher Johnson Michael Leask Pole Vault, Paris, France selected for his third Olympic campaign, whilst Kylie Wheeler and Steve at 6.06m and stretched his personal best. Kimberley Mickle Benjamin Offereins 2008 Aviva London Grand Prix, Pole Hooker booked their second appearances. Elizabeth Parnov Vicky Parnov Vault, London, England Paul Burgess competed at the 2009 International Grand Prix in Melbourne Ellen Pearce Lyndsay Pekin 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Pole Vault, Kylie Wheeler consolidated her preparations for Beijing with a heptathlon finishing third with a best clearance of 5.45m. Vicky Parnov and Amanda Larissa Perry Ellen Pettitt Beijing, China victory in Hexham, England, equalling the tournament record of 6026 points Bisk both jumped at the Rare Earth Club in Melbourne. Parnov claimed silver, Kyle Rasti Tahnee Reynolds-Hopkins 2009 Milrose Meet, Pole Vault, in doing so. with Bisk winning bronze in third. Zoe Timmers Matei Tzvetanov New York, USA Kylie Wheeler Ray Williams 2009 Boston Indoor Games, Pole Vault, Steve Hooker provided a strong indicator of his good form ahead of Beijing, Ellen Pettitt claimed victory in the women’s high jump at the NSW State Raheen Williams Boston, USA competing in four events through Europe in July winning two with a best Championships in Sydney. Pettitt cleared 183cm to win the tournament. 2009 Paris Indoor, Pole Vault, jump of 5.80m and placing second in the others. Paul Burgess cleared 5.50m Pettitt equalled her personal best and set a “B” qualifier at the Sydney Track Paris, France in the Gaz de France in Paris to take fourth. Classic with a clearance of 191cm. Major Title Winners 2009 Doneske Meet, Pole Vault, Brianna Beahan 2009 U20-U23 National Championships, Doneske, Ukraine WAIS had three representatives competing at the XII IAAF World Junior At the same tournament WAIS athlete won the javelin with a 100m Hurdles, Adelaide, Australia 2009 GE Galan Meet, Pole Vault, Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Vicky Parnov competed in the pole best throw of 60.68m and Lyndsay Pekin took third place in the Thomas Brennan 2009 U20-U23 National Championships, Stockholm, Sweden vault, taking fifth place with a best jump of 4.20m. Zoe Timmers placed 400m hurdles. High Jump, Adelaide, Australia 2009 Melbourne Grand Prix, Pole Vault, fifth in the high jump clearing 182cm and Larissa Perry jumped 5.81m in Matthew Cowie 2009 U20-U23 National Championships, Melbourne, Australia taking 11th place in the . Kim Mickle enjoyed a perfect warm up for the National Championships by Shot Put, Adelaide, Australia Larissa Perry 2008 12th IAAF World Junior Championships, winning a WA Club Meet and the WA Club State Championships at Perry Steve Hooker 2008 Jockgrim Meet, Pole Vault, Long Jump, Bydgoszcz, Poland The Beijing Olympic Games were held in August with Steve Hooker capturing Lakes, both with “A” World Championship qualifying distances. Mickle threw Jockgrim, Germany Vicky Parnov 2008 12th IAAF World Junior Championships, the nation’s attention with an astonishing performance in the final of the 61.42m and 63.49m to smash her personal best two weeks in a row. 2008 Gaz de France Paris Saint-Denis Pole Vault, Bydgoszcz, Poland men’s pole vault. Three times Hooker faced third and final attempts to clear Pole Vault, Paris, France 2008 Luzern GP, Pole Vault, to progress through, which included his leap to secure the gold medal at Brisbane hosted the 2009 National Championships where WAIS athletes were 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Pole Vault, Luzern, Switzerland 5.90m. Hooker then repeated the dose to snare the Olympic record on his involved across a wide range of events. Kim Mickle won a national title in Beijing, China 2009 Milrose Meet, Pole Vault, final attempt at 5.96m, a height never before achieved at this level. Hooker the javelin with a best throw of 60.69m, Ellen Pettitt finished second in the 2009 Milrose Meet, Pole Vault, New York, USA was also the first Australian male to win a track and field gold medal in 40 high jump, Larissa Perry finished third in the long jump and Lyndsay Pekin New York, USA 2009 Boston Indoor Games, Pole Vault, years. claimed third in the 400m hurdles. 2009 Boston Indoor Games, Pole Vault, Boston, USA Boston, USA Ellen Pearce 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, 2008 Paul Burgess was unable to join Hooker in the men’s pole vault final after no Amanda Bisk earned a new personal best in the pole vault competition, 2009 Paris Indoor Pole Vault, Paris, France Pole Vault, Pune, India heighting in the qualifying round. clearing 4.20m in finishing second. Vicky Parnov and Elizabeth Parnov tied 2009 Doneske Meet, Pole Vault, Zoe Timmers 2008 12th IAAF World Junior Championships, for third on 4.05m. Doneske, Ukraine High Jump, Bydgoszcz, Poland Kylie Wheeler achieved a personal best score of 6369 points in the heptathlon 2009 GE Galan Meet, Pole Vault, Kylie Wheeler 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Heptathlon, in Beijing to finish tenth. Wheeler also produced two personal best efforts WAIS athletes featured prominently again at the Under 20-23 National Stockholm, Sweden Beijing, China in the high jump and to round out a successful campaign. Championships in Adelaide. Brianna Beahan won the 100m hurdles, Thomas 2009 , Brennan won the men’s high jump, Larissa Perry won the long jump and Pole Vault, Sydney, Australia In October Steve Hooker was named the joint recipient of the Don Award, finished second in the triple jump, whilst Matt Cowie won the shot put and 2009 Melbourne Grand Prix, Pole Vault, Coaching Achievements which is named after Don Bradman and recognises the sporting achievement Zoe Timmers claimed second in the women’s high jump. Melbourne, Australia Alex Parnov Pole Vault Coach 2008 Olympic Games, that most inspired the nation. Kimberley Mickle 2009 Sydney Track Classic, Javelin, Pole Vault, Beijing, China Elizabeth Panov won the pole vault competition, with fellow WAIS scholarship Sydney, Australia WAIS athletes competed in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India. holder Ellen Pearce taking third. 2009 National Championships, Javelin, Pole vault athlete Ellen Pearce claimed fifth place whilst Brianna Beahan Brisbane, Australia finished third in the 100m hurdles final. Jared Bezuidenhout won bronze in Four WAIS scholarship holders were selected for the Australian national Larissa Perry 2009 U20-U23 National Championships, the 110m hurdles before claiming silver as a member of the Australian 4 x athletics team to compete at the 2009 World Championships in , Long Jump, Adelaide, Australia 100m relay team. Ray Williams finished sixth in the final of the 100m Germany. Steve Hooker, Paul Burgess, Kim Mickle and Jody Henry were all Elizabeth Parnov 2009 U20-U23 National Championships, sprint. selected by . Pole Vault, Adelaide, Australia Vicky Parnov 2009 Sydney Track Classic, Pole Vault, Sydney, Australia 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 26

Baseball PROGRAM PARTNERS

The WAIS baseball program operated in its final year as a WAIS program Coach in 2008/09. The decision to close the program was made following the Don Kyle Head Coach WAIS Board’s review of the Institute's sport program portfolio against its documented guiding principles and sport program selection criteria. WAIS coach Don Kyle led the Heat to back to back Claxton Shield Service Providers titles. Simon Jones Program Coordinator Greg Morgan Strength & Conditioning In July WAIS scholarship holder Corey Adamson signed the fourth Ted Polglaze Physiologist largest contract in Australian baseball history with the San Diego Matthew Burgin Psychologist Padres. Tim Chambers ACE Counsellor Carmel Goodman Doctor Australia failed to qualify a team to compete in the 2008 Beijing Games Craig Hewson Physiotherapist after finishing fourth in the eight team qualifying league in Taiwan. Only the top three sides progressed.

The Perth Heat began its campaign to win back to back Claxton Shields WAIS Program Athletes in December with a strong squad featuring 14 WAIS scholarship holders. Corey Adamson Thomas Bailey , , Matthew Kennelly, Lachlan Dale, Jacob Beard Steven Burnham Daniel Floyd, Andrew Kyle, Chris House, Daniel Schmidt, Brendon Wise, Allan De San Miguel Nathan Driessen Mark Kelly, Liam Hendriks, Dean White, Dylan Peacock and Warwick Jason Fisch Liam Hendricks Saupold were all part of the 2008/09 squad. Chris House Luke Hughes Mark Kelly Matthew Kennelly WAIS scholarship holder Luke Hughes was named the Fielders Choice Chris Lofthouse Player of the round for round four of the Claxton Shield. Scott Mitchinson Daniel Schmidt Luke Shipway The Heat again proved to be one of the strongest sides in the league, Jason Smit Reece Thompson qualifying for the Grand Final best of three series against the NSW Jake White Mitchell Williams Patriots. The Patriots claimed game one, before the Heat stormed back Christian Wise to take games two and three and create a piece of history by winning back to back Claxton Shields.

In March three members of the WAIS baseball squad were selected to represent Australia at the 2009 World Baseball Classic in Mexico. Luke Hughes, Brendan Wise and Liam Hendricks were all included in ’s squad. Australia were unable to progress through the group stage. The highlight came in the tournament opening match, with Australia humbling hosts, Mexico 17-7.

The WAIS baseball program closed in March with all national squad representatives being provided access to WAIS services and support through the Individual Athlete Support Program.

luke hughes Photo: Getty Images 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 28 29

Canoeing PROGRAM PARTNERS

WAIS athletes dominated the State Flatwater Kayak Championships Coaches with Olympic bronze medallist Lisa Russ winning the K1 500m in her Ramon Andersson Head Coach first competitive outing since the Beijing Games. Russ also claimed Michael Pond Assistant Coach (from Jan 2009) victory in the K1 1000m. Russ and Nicholls combined to win the K2 (part-time) 200m, 500m and 1000m events. Nicholls won the K1 200m.

Reece Baker shone in the men’s K1 500m and 1000m events, whilst Service Providers Jesse Phillips won the K1 200m event. Phillips and Steve Bird Simon Jones Program Coordinator (til Dec 2009) & dominated the K2 events winning the K2 200m, 500m and 1000m. Coaching Group Manager (from Jan 2009) Gilman Barnitt Strength & Conditioning The National Canoe/Kayak Sprint Championships were held in Perth in Ben Dascombe Physiologist (til Feb 2009) March with WAIS athletes returning good results and having four Peter Peeling Physiologist (from March 2009) athletes selected on the World Cup tour to Europe. Lisa Russ earned Heather McGregor-Bayne Psychologist pre-selection by virtue of her Olympic bronze, and was joined in the Jenny Marsh ACE Counsellor squad by Reece Baker and debutants Jesse Phillips and Alana Nicholls. Carmel Goodman Doctor It was the first time in WAIS history that four scholarship holders had Peter Steele Doctor gained selection onto the one senior world cup team. Three WAIS Duncan Sullivan Doctor athletes were selected in the National Under 23 team to compete in Deborah Kerr Dietician international regattas in Germany and Poland, with Daniel Bowker, Andrew Hayden Physiotherapist Steve Bird and Michael Baker selected. Brett Slocombe Physiotherapist Alana Nicholls enjoyed a successful campaign with three gold and three silver medals. Gold was won in the K1 200m, K2 200m with WAIS Program Athletes partner Lisa Russ and K4 200m with silver in the K1 500m, K2 500m Michael Baker Reece Baker** and K4 500m. Jenni Bateman Stephen Bird Daniel Bowker Lee Davey Lisa Russ finished the Championships with three gold and a silver Alana Nicholls** Jesse Phillips** medal. Russ brilliantly stroked both the K4 500m and K4 200m crews Lisa Russ (nee Oldenhof) ** Brendon Sarson to comfortable victories and with partner Alana Nicholls claimed the Rachel Simper K2 200m.

Reece Baker was part of the winning K4 1000m boat and also qualified Major Title Winners for the K1 500m and 1000m finals. Jesse Phillips qualified for an Reece Baker 2009 National Championships, K4 1000, individual A final for the first time in his career, finishing fifth in the Perth, Australia K1 500m final and ninth in the K1 1000m final. Phillips combined Alana Nicholls 2009 National Championships, K1 200, with Steve Bird to finish second in the K2 200m. Perth, Australia 2009 National Championships, K4 200, showed his potential in the sport, qualifying for the Brendan Sarson Perth, Australia K1 1000m in his first National Championship. Sarson finished eighth. 2009 National Championships, K2 200,

Perth, Australia Michael Baker also enjoyed his best ever Nationals with a solid fourth Lisa Russ (nee Oldenhof) 2009 National Championships, K4 500, place finish with Chad Alston (SASI) in the K2 1000m and an Perth, Australia impressive third in the B Final of the K1 1000m. 2009 National Championships, K2 200,

Perth, Australia Also competing in his first National Championships was Daniel Bowker, 2009 National Championships, K4 200, who claimed a solid seventh place in the B final of the K1 1000m and Perth, Australia sixth place finish with Sarson in the K2 500m. Bowker finished 2009 National Championships, LK1 1000, seventh with Brendan Rice in the K2 1000m and also claimed bronze Perth, Australia in the K4 200m and K4 500m with Sarson.

In May the WAIS Canoeing program was lauded as the WAIS Sports Program of the Year at the annual Champions Breakfast. The Program Australian Representatives continues to go from strength to strength under the guidance of head Reece Baker 2009 World Cup 1, , coach Ramon Andersson. Highlighting the program was Lisa Russ Czech Republic winning bronze and the WAIS crew returning best ever performances 2009 World Cup 3, Szeged, Hungary at the National Championships in Perth. Daniel Bowker 2009 Intenational Regatta - Ruhur, Photo: Getty Images Bochum, Germany 2009 Polish U23 Regatta Poland, lISA RUSS WAIS athletes Reece Baker, Alana Nicholls, Jesse Phillips and Lisa Russ competed in the first world cup in Racice, Czech Republic. Russ Alana Nicholls 2009 World Cup 1, Czech Republic, and Nicholls finished fourth in the K4 500m whilst Baker and his K4 Czech Republic WAIS athlete Reece Baker won the annual Bay2Beach Classic over 2009 World Cup 3, Szeged, Hungary The WAIS Canoeing Program moved from strength to strength in 1000m boat finished fifth. 17km from Mosman Bay through Fremantle Harbour finishing at Jesse Phillips 2009 World Cup 1, Czech Republic, 2008/09 with Lisa Russ (nee Oldenhof) selected to represent Australia Cottesloe Beach. Czech Republic at the Beijing Olympic Games and Canoeing crowned the WAIS Sports In June WAIS athletes competed in the third world cup in Szeged, 2009 World Cup 3, Szeged, Hungary Program of the Year at the annual Champions Breakfast Awards. Hungary. Baker and his K4 crew again finished fifth, whilst Nicholls Following the national training camp, WAIS athletes enjoyed a highly had a fifth place finish in the K1 200m. In the K2 500m Nicholls and Lisa Russ (nee Oldenhof) 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China successful Grand Prix in Adelaide, with the WAIS men’s crew of Lee 2009 World Cup 1, Czech Republic, WAIS Kayaker Lisa Russ was selected into the Australian team for the Russ missed out on the A final, but bounced back to take second in Davey, Reece Baker, Jesse Phillips and Steve Bird winning the K4 Czech Republic 2008 Beijing Olympics as a member of the women’s K4 500m boat. the B final. Jesse Phillips combined with South Australian Matt Goble 1000m event, the first time an all WAIS crew had achieved such a 2009 World Cup 3, Szeged, Hungary Russ and her crew raced a fine final to win bronze ahead of a late to finish fifth in the K2 200m with 30 - 40 cm separating the top six feat. Phillips and Bird combined to win both the K2 500m and K2 challenge from the Polish crew. Russ’ success made history as the first or seven crews. 1000m races. Olympic medal won by a WAIS athlete since the canoeing program was ** WAIS/AIS Athletes set up in 1995. Reece Baker continued his impressive form in January with wins at the South Australian Regatta Series in the K1 500m and K1 1000m In October five WAIS paddlers were selected into the National squad against a quality field that included 2008 Olympic team member David training camps, following selection trials held in Sydney. Lee Davey, Smith. Baker also teamed with Smith to win the K2 500m event and Steve Bird, Reece Baker, Jesse Phillips and Alana Nicholls were all claimed a second place finish in the K2 1000m. included in the squad. 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 30 31

WAIS athletes Mel Hoskins, Michaela Anderson and were selected Team Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia for August’s Junior Track World Championships in Russia. WAIS riders Cameron 2008 Oceania Track Championships, Meyer, , Scott Sunderland, Josie Tomic and Sarah Kent were all Points Race, Adelaide, Australia selected for the World Championships in Poland in February. 2009 Senior Track Championships, Cycling PROGRAM PARTNERS Team Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia Cameron Meyer became the fifth WAIS athlete to win a World Championship 2009 World Championships, after he took gold in the points race. Meyer added a silver medal in the team Points Race, Copenhagen, Australia Sunderland claimed a third place finish in the men's sprint before backing up pursuit and madison to have three medals by the end of competition. Josie Travis Meyer 2009 Senior Track Championships, Team for a win in the men's time trial. Tomic and Kent combined with NSWIS athlete Tomic replicated Meyer’s form by winning a World Championship in the Omnium Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia Ashlee Ankudinoff for a first place finish in the women's team pursuit. with a fine performance in her first World Championships campaign. Tomic Scott Sunderland 2008 Oceania Track Championships, Team added a bronze medal along with Sarah Kent in the women’s team pursuit and Sprint, Adelaide, Australia Tomic also claimed a win in the women's individual pursuit, whilst Kent finished finished fifth in a new personal best time in the individual pursuit. 2008 Oceania Track Championships, third. Duane Johansen earned a third place finish in the men's omnium. 1000m TT, Adelaide, Australia Travis Meyer, also competing in his first World Championships recorded a fourth Josephine Tomic 2008 Oceania Track Championships, In the Under 19 races, Holly Williams claimed second in the women's sprint place finish in the scratch race. Scott Sunderland narrowly missed a medal in Individual Pursuit 3000m, Adelaide, Australia and a third in the time trial. Luke Durbridge finished second in both the finishing fourth in the team sprint. Sunderland also finished fifth in the kilo and 2008 Oceania Track Championships, individual pursuit and points race, whilst Jon Bathe finished second men's 17th in the men’s sprint. Team Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia sprint. 2009 Senior Track Championships, Sarah Kent was lauded with the Junior Athlete of the Year for her standout Team Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia Scott Sunderland, Cam Meyer, Josie Tomic and Sarah Kent all won medals at the performances both in junior and senior ranks in 2008/09 at the WAIS Champions 2009 Senior Track Championships, 2008 UCI Track World Cup in Melbourne. Scott Sunderland won gold as a member Breakfast Awards. Luke Durbridge was also nominated for the award. Individual Pursuit 3000m, Adelaide, Australia of the Team Toshiba team sprint squad, whilst also winning an individual silver 2009 World Track Cycling Championships, medal in the kilo. In May Cameron Meyer competed for the first time in the Giro D’Italia for his Omnium, Adelaide, Australia professional road cycling team Garmin-Slipstream. Travis Meyer competed for Cameron Meyer won a silver medal in the Madison event with CJ Sutton. Josie Team-AIS in the tour of Japan finishing tenth. Tomic won silver medals in both the individual and team pursuit. Tomic was Australian Representatives joined in the team pursuit by fellow WAIS cyclist Sarah Kent. Cameron Meyer finished sixth in the time trial stage of the Tour de Suisse Jonathan Bathe 2008 U19 Oceania Track Championships, against a star studded line-up in June. Individual Sprint, Adelaide, Australia Cameron Meyer's brilliant 2008 form was recognised with the 20 year-old named Ryan Bayley * 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Team Sprint, CAMERON MEYER the 2008 Male Toshiba Elite Track Cyclist of the Year at the Beijing, China Photo: Getty Images Cyclist of the Year Awards. Coach Luke Durbridge 2008 World Junior Track Championships, Darryl Benson Head Coach Team Pursuit, Cape Town, South Africa The WAIS Cycling Program produced two new World Champions in 2008/09 and Scott Sunderland ended the year on a high with a silver medal in the third 2008 U19 Oceania Track Championships, had Cameron Myer and Ryan Bayley selected to compete in the Beijing Olympic round of the UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Cali, Columbia. Sunderland and his Individual Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia Games. Team Toshiba outfit finished second in the team sprint event. Service Providers 2008 UCI Track World Cup 2, Team Pursuit, Melbourne, Australia In July Cameron Meyer and Ryan Bayley were officially selected for the Simon Jones Coaching Group Manager (from Feb 2009) Josie Tomic recorded a strong win in the 72km Joondalup Classic Road Race in 2008 Oceania Track Championships, Australian cycling team to compete in the Beijing Games, with Meyer earning a Andrew Smith Program Coordinator (til Jan 2009) December. Tomic finished clear of fellow WAIS rider Sarah Kent who finished in Individual Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia nomination for the 40km points race and Bayley confirmed for the team sprint, Greg Morgan Strength & Conditioning second place. Duane Johansen 2008 Oceania Track Championships, individual sprint and the keirin. Ben Dascombe Physiologist (til Feb 2009) Peter Peeling Physiologist (from Mar 2009) Individual Sprint, Adelaide, Australia Sarah Kent also claimed victory in the senior State keirin championships whilst Sarah Kent 2008 World Junior Track Championships, The 2008 Junior Track Cycling World Championships were staged in South Africa Matthew Doyle Biomechanist young WAIS athlete Holly Williams took out the junior keirin event. Matthew Burgin Psychologist Individual Pursuit, Cape Town, South Africa with WAIS scholarship holders Luke Durbridge and Sarah Kent both securing 2008 Oceania Track Championships, medals in Cape Town. Durbridge won gold with the Australian teams pursuit, Jenny Marsh ACE Counsellor Duane Johansen earned himself the state Individual Pursuit title in the men's Individual Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia whilst Kent claimed silver in the individual pursuit. Durbridge also finished Carmel Goodman Doctor senior race. Deborah Kerr Dietician 2009 World Track Cycling Championships, fourth in the individual pursuit. Team Pursuit, Copenhagen, Australia Josie Tomic enjoyed a strong start to 2008 by finishing second in the Jayco Cameron Meyer 2008 XXIX Olympic Games Points Race, Ryan Bayley narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the team sprint at the Cycling Bay Criterium series in Victoria. Sarah Kent and Melissa Hoskins rode WAIS Program Athletes Beijing, China Beijing Olympics after Australia qualified for the bronze medal ride off against 2008 Oceania Track Championships, in the same team, supporting Tomic’s general classification push. WAIS athletes Michaela Anderson Jonathan Bathe Germany. After leading through two laps, the Germans pegged back the Points Race, Adelaide, Australia competed in the men's U23 time trials in Buninyong, Victoria. Travis Meyer ** Luke Durbridge advantage to steal the medal by just 0.008 of a second. Bayley also missed out 2008 UCI Track World Cup 2 Points Race, claimed second place whilst Ben King finished in sixth position. In the women’s Michael Freiberg Jason Holloway on medals in the men’s sprint, where he was eliminated at the 1/8 repechage Melbourne, Australia event Josie Tomic claimed victory, with Sarah Kent close behind in third. Melissa Hoskins Duane Johansen and in the keirin where he was unable to qualify for the final. 2009 World Track Cycling Championships, Sarah Kent** Isabella King Sarah Kent followed this effort by winning silver in the women’s U23 road race Points Race, Copenhagen, Australia Cameron Meyer marginally missed out on a bronze medal in the points race, with Ben King Cameron Meyer in Ballarat at the Open Road Championships. In the men’s U23 event, Ben King 2009 World Track Cycling Championships, the 20 year-old producing an outstanding race to sit amongst the medals for a Travis Meyer** Adam Semple** was the best of the competing WAIS athletes finishing seventh, whilst Travis Team Pursuit, Copenhagen, Australia large part of the race. Meyer finished the event in fourth position on 36 points. Scott Sunderland** Josephine Tomic** Meyer (21st) and Adam Semple (23rd) also produced solid efforts. Cameron 2009 World Track Cycling Championships, Meyer wasted little time in getting back into competitive racing, winning a Holly Williams Meyer completed the senior men’s road race in fourth position. Madison, Copenhagen, Australia bronze medal in the U23 time trial at the 2008 UCI Road Cycling World Travis Meyer 2009 World Track Cycling Championships, Championships in Varese, Italy. Travis Meyer also competed in the event, Six WAIS athletes were selected for the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Scratch Race, Copenhagen, Australia impressing with a 19th position finish. Major Title Winners Sydney, with Luke Durbridge, Mel Hoskins, Michaela Anderson, Isabella King, Scott Sunderland 2008 Oceania Track Championships, Michaela Anderson 2009 Senior Track Championships, Team Holly Williams and Jonathon Bathe all included. WAIS dominated the women's Individual Sprint, Adelaide, Australia In October six WAIS athletes were selected into national training squad for the Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia individual pursuit with Hoskins claiming gold in the 3000m ahead of Anderson 2008 UCI Track World Cup 2, Team Sprint, UCI Track World Cup in Melbourne. Cameron Meyer, Scott Sunderland, Travis Jonathan Bathe 2008 U19 Oceania Track Championships, – who had qualified fastest for the final – before being relegated to silver in Melbourne, Australia Meyer, Josie Tomic, Sarah Kent and Luke Durbridge were all included. Team Sprint, Adelaide, Australia the gold medal race against her Western Australian teammate. Isabella King 2009 World Track Cycling Championships, Luke Durbridge 2008 World Junior Track Championships, took fourth place to give WAIS three of the top four positions in the individual Team Sprint, Copenhagen, Australia Five of the WAIS scholarship holders were then selected to compete at the Team Pursuit, Cape Town, South Africa pursuit. Luke Durbridge claimed a bronze medal in the men's individual pursuit Josephine Tomic 2008 Oceania Track Championships, event. Cameron Meyer, Luke Durbridge, Sarah Kent and Josie Tomic were all 2008 U19 Oceania Track Championships, having narrowly missed out on the gold medal race. Durbridge bounced back to Individual Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia selected to represent Australia, whilst Scott Sunderland was included in Team Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia record the second fastest time overall in the bronze medal race to claim third. 2008 UCI Track World Cup 2, Individual professional track squad, Team Toshiba. 2008 UCI Track World Cup 2, Team Jonathon Bathe finished 16th in the men's sprint. Bathe had made an impressive Pursuit, Melbourne, Australia Pursuit, Melbourne, Australia start to his qualifying before fading through the repechage rounds. 2009 World Track Cycling Championships, Ben King, Adam Semple and Luke Durbridge all competed in the . 2009 Senior Track Championships, Team Team Pursuit, Copenhagen, Australia King produced a solid tour claiming a stage win and a stage second place finish, Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia WAIS athletes returned eight medals during an incredible display at the National 2009 World Track Cycling Championships, to take tenth position in the general classification. Semple enjoyed a consistent Michael Freiberg 2009 Senior Track Championships, Track Championships in Adelaide in February. Josie Tomic, Sarah Kent, Michaela Individual Pursuit, Copenhagen, Australia performance to take eighth position overall, whilst Durbridge captured a second Team Pursuit Adelaide, Australia Anderson and Mel Hoskins combined to win gold in the women’s team pursuit, 2009 World Track Cycling Championships, place stage finish and 12th position overall. Melissa Hoskins 2009 Senior Track Championships, whilst the men’s combination of Cameron Meyer, Travis Meyer, Luke Durbridge Omnium, Copenhagen, Australia Team Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia and Michael Freiburg added another team pursuit gold for WAIS. Tomic won gold Holly Williams 2008 Oceania Track Championships, WAIS world and Olympic champion Peter Dawson announced his retirement from 2009 National U19 Track Championships in the individual pursuit with Kent taking silver. Cameron Meyer won silver in Sprint, Adelaide, Australia competitive cycling after a fine career that included four world championships Women's, Keirin, Adelaide, Australia the men’s individual pursuit, with Travis Meyer fourth and Freiburg sixth. 2008 U19 Oceania Track Championships, and a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Games. Sarah Kent 2008 World Junior Track Championships, Michael Freiburg also added bronze in the points race to his collection whilst Sprint, Adelaide, Australia Team Pursuit, Cape Town, South Africa Scott Sunderland earned silver in the keirin, bronze in the kilo and fifth in the Cameron Meyer won the Oceania Championships points race in Adelaide, 2008 Oceania Track Championships, men’s sprint. **WAIS / AIS Athlete finishing on 46 points. Scott Sunderland, Josie Tomic and Sarah Kent also Team Pursuit, Adelaide, Australia * AIS / WAIS Athlete claimed titles. 2009 Senior Track Championships, 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 32 33

Diving PROGRAM PARTNERS Football women PROGRAM PARTNERS

The Women’s football program was one of two new sports brought into the Western Australian Institute of Sport for the London Olympiad.

The WAIS women’s football program will be run in partnership with Football West and the Football Federation Australia.

Women’s football commenced operations on the 14th of May, with the Head Coach position taken by 1992 Barcelona Olympian and veteran of 390 NSL matches, John Gibson.

The program will have up to 16 scholarships on offer, the players expected to commence as scholarship holders on January 1, 2010. Potential scholarship holders will be observed at domestic training, competition, the 2009 National Youth Championships (Under 15/17’s) in Coffs Harbour and through the Women’s National League Competition prior to selections being made in late 2009.

Coach John Gibson Head Coach

Service Providers Alan Black Coaching Group Manager

Geish Hori Strength & Conditioning

Peter Peeling Physiologist

Matthew Burgin Physchologist

Jenny Marsh ACE Counsellor

Photo: Getty Images Natasha Cocker

Diving officially joined the Western Australian Institute of Sport Coach program roster for the London Olympian. Iris Deng Coach

The WAIS diving program commenced operations as a WAIS sports Service Providers program in February, with Chinese coach Iris Deng, former coach of Liz Chetkovich Coaching Group Manager 2006 World Cup gold medallist and Olympic silver medallist Luxin Zhou, Greg Morgan Strength & Conditioning heading up the program. Sacha Fulton Physiologist Matthew Doyle Biomechanist The WAIS diving program is run in conjunction with the Western Jenny Marsh ACE Counsellor Australian Diving Association and . Kim Mercer Psychologist Deborah Kerr Dietician

WAIS Program Athletes Ekaterina Bespalova Bronte Brown Natasha Cocker Zachary Farrall Photo: Getty Images Maddison Keeney Courtney Press Georgina Reed Kate Rowney Lisa De Vanna Sarah Watson 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 34

Gymnastics womens PROGRAM PARTNERS

The WAIS Gymnastics Program maintained its status as one of the Institute’s Peter Abbott Coach most successful programs in 2008/09 after three scholarship holders gained Tatiana Lapchina Coach / Choreographer selection in Australia’s six member Gymnastics team for the 2008 Beijing Carly Brockis Development Coach Games. Emma DiCarlo Development Coach Heidi Rose Development Coach WAIS athletes Daria Joura, Lauren Mitchell and Olivia Vivian were all included Salli Wills Development Coach in the Australian gymnastics team to compete in the Beijing Olympic Games. The three WAIS scholarship holders made up half the national team with WAIS Service Providers coach Martine George also selected as a coach. Liz Chetkovich Coaching Group Manager - Acrobatics Sports Greg Morgan Strength & Conditioning Australia recorded its best ever finish of sixth place in the Team Final in Claire Rechichi Physiologist (til June 2009) Beijing. The result could have been higher had Australia’s top ranked athlete Sacha Fulton Physiologist (from June 2009) Daria Joura not injured her ankle in training just days before the competition. Matthew Doyle Biomechanist In the final Australia finished with a Team score of 176.525 points. Mitchell Matthew Burgin Psychologist scored 14.700 on the vault, 15.500 on the Beam and 13.800 on the to Jenny Marsh ACE Counsellor contribute strongly to the team’s final placing. Vivian produced a solid Carmel Goodman Doctor (from Jan 2009) performance on the to score 15.100 whilst Joura was restricted Ken Maguire Doctor (til Dec 2008) to just Uneven Bars due to her injury and scored 14.675 points with a gutsy Deborah Kerr Dietician performance. Joanne Norcott Physiotherapist Natasha Brock Masseur (from Jan 2009) Following the Beijing Olympics, WAIS athlete Olivia Vivian accepted a sports Alison Slattery Masseur (til Dec 2008) scholarship with the Oregon State University in the USA.

Lauren Mitchell competed in the prestigious DTB World Cup in Germany in WAIS Program Athletes Megan Aspinall Courtney Barnard November in her first international competition since the Beijing Olympics. Gabrielle (Gabby) Beech Olivia Brown Mitchell won silver medals in both the Beam and Floor finals. Lauren Mitchell Brooke Callcott Nikola Chung continued her good international form in 2008 by winning four medals at the Crina ( Briana) Ciupac Kayleigh Cooke Massilia Cup in France. Mitchell won gold in the All Around and also claimed Ashley Cooney Samarah Demarsonae silver in the Uneven Bars and Beam apparatus finals and a bronze medal as a Artemis Dimopoulos Abigail (Abby) D'Sylva part of the Australian Team. WAIS scholarship holder also medalled Franceska Fusha Daria (Dasha) Joura ** in France in the Open Massilia, taking silver on the Vault, seventh on Floor and Natalia (Natasha) Joura Emily Leverington 14th All Around. Lauren Mitchell created a significant piece of history in Emily Little** Jade Martin December by becoming the first Australian gymnast to win a World Cup Final Serena Martin Molly McKenzie after she defeated three Beijing gold medallists on the Beam in Madrid, Spain. Lauren Mitchell** Tain Molendjik Mitchell produced a standout routine to score 15.250 points and claim gold. Claire Newbury Li-Anne Ng Darcy Norman Natasha Papadimitriou During the year WAIS gymnasts featured prominently in selections to Courtney Peoples Rebecca Reid Gymnastics Australia’s National Squads. Daria Joura, Lauren Mitchell and Olivia Jamison Ruscoe Georgia Simpson Vivian were all selected in the Senior National Squad with Emily Little in the Jessica Thompson Danielle Tyack Junior National Squad. Olivia Vivian** Sophie Ward WAIS Acrobatic Coaching Group Manager/Head of Gymnastics, Liz Chetkovich, was honoured for her 21 years of service at the Western Australian Institute of Major Title Winners Sport. Chetkovich remains one of the Institute’s longest serving members. Nikola Chung 2008 National Championships, Uneven Bars, Brisbane, Australia WAIS gymnasts Emily Little and Natalia Joura represented Australia at the Lauren Mitchell 2008 Massilia Gym Cup, All Around, 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney. Little placed fourth in the Marseille, France All Around competition. In the apparatus finals she won Vault against some 2008 World Cup Final, Beam, Madrid, Spain tough opposition, and placed seventh on Beam. Competing for the first time Emily Little 2009 Australian Olympic Youth Festival, in national colours, Joura qualified for two apparatus finals and placed seventh Vault, Sydney, Australia on Floor and eighth on Beam. Ashley Cooney was originally named to the team, but had to withdraw due to injury. Australian Representatives Daria (Dasha) Joura 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China WAIS lost two international representatives in January to retirement. Jade Emily Little 2008 Massilia Gym Cup, Marseille, France Martin announced her retirement from the sport following an on-going back 2009 Australian Olympic Youth Festival, complaint. Martin took up a position with WAIS as the Group 9 and 10 coach. Sydney, Australia Tain Molendijk who competed for Australia at the 2007 AYOF decided to pursue 2009 Gymnix International Cup, Montreal, new interests. Canada Lauren Mitchell 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China Emily Little competed in the Gymnix International Cup in Canada in March. 2008 DTB Cup, , Germany Little competed in a field of 30 athletes, taking eighth position in the All 2008 Massilia Gym Cup, Marseille, France Around category, then adding a fourth place in the final of the Uneven Bars. 2008 World Cup Final, Madrid, Spain Olivia Vivian 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China WAIS athlete Lauren Mitchell was lauded with the Junior Sportswomen of the Year Award at the Womensport West Awards night. WAIS coach Martine George Coaching Achievements was awarded the Coach of the Year award for her outstanding work. Mitchell Martine George Coach 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China also won the Athlete Career and Education award in May at the WAIS Champions Coach 2008 World Cup Final, Madrid, Spain Breakfast. Daria Joura also earned nominations for the Athlete Career and Coach 2009 Gymnix International Cup, Education and Triumph awards. Montreal, Canada Nikolai Lapchine Coach 2008 DTB Cup, Stuttgart, Germany Coaches Coach 2008 Massilia Gym Cup, Marseille, Liz Chetkovich Head of Gymnastics France Nikolai Lapchine Senior Coach Vladimir Joura Coach 2009 Australian Olympic Youth Martine George Senior Coach Festival, Sydney, Australia Vladimir Joura Senior Coach ** WAIS / AIS Athlete LAUREN MITCHELL Michelle Yardley Coach Photo: Grace Chiu 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 36

Hockey mens PROGRAM PARTNERS

The WAIS Men’s Hockey Program was highlighted in 2008/09 with three of WAIS scholarship holders Ross Meadows, Graeme Begbie, Ian Burcher and its members winning bronze at the Beijing Olympics and the WA Fergus Kavanagh were selected in the Australian team to tour Europe with Thundersticks winning the AHL championship. a series against France, the Hamburg Masters and a two match series against England through May and June. WAIS Squad players Bevan George, Fergus Kavanagh, Kiel Brown and Aaron Hopkins were all included in the Olympic training squad that had The Kookaburras won both games against France, lost twice against camps in Perth and Cairns prior to departing to Beijing. Aaron Hopkins was Germany but recovered to win the Masters tournament with wins against unfortunately unable to tour due to a calf injury that subsequently ruled Holland, England and a 6-2 final win against Germany. him out of selection for the Olympic Team. George, Kavanagh and Brown all earned selection. In June two WAIS athletes were involved in the men’s Junior World Cup in Malaysia. Chris Bausor and Matt Boyce both played for the Burras in their The Kookaburras appeared on course for a gold medal clash in Beijing after bronze medal winning campaign. Australia was knocked out in the semi- coasting through the group stages and leading Spain 2-0 in their semi- final by Germany, before claiming a 4-1 win over New Zealand in the third final. Spain fought back to win 3-2 and relegate Australia to the bronze place play-off. medal play-off, which it won 6-2 with a strong performance over Holland. Bevan George captained the side in his last international appearance for Australia, whilst Fergus Kavanagh and Kiel Brown also featured. Coach David Bell Head Coach Following on from the 2008 Olympics both Bevan George and Aaron Hopkins retired from international hockey after stellar contributions to the sport. Service Providers In October, WAIS scholarship holders Justin Knapp, Tristan Clemons and Alan Black Coaching Group Manger (from May 2009) Chris Bausor were invited to an AIS camp ahead of the Junior World Cup Ruth Tyson Program Coordinator (til Dec 2008) Qualifiers which were to be held in Brisbane. Geish Hori Strength & Conditioning Ted Polglaze Physiologist (til May 2009) Ian Burcher, Jonathon Charlesworth, Tristan Clemons, Brent Dancer, Peter Peeling Physiologist (from May 2009) Greg Hearn and Graeme Begbie were all involved in the National Heather McGregor-Bayne Psychologist Development Camp in Brisbane in December. Jenny Marsh ACE Coordinator Peter Steele Doctor WAIS athletes Ross Meadows, Ian Burcher and Brent Dancer were selected Deborah Kerr Dietician in the AIS Team to tour Japan and China. The tour was later cancelled and Michael Wood Physiotherapist replaced with a camp.

Chris Bausor and Justin Knapp competed in the Junior World Cup Qualifying WAIS Program Athletes series against New Zealand in Brisbane in December. The team won the Chris Bausor** Graeme Begbie* series, although both Australia and New Zealand had already qualified. Matt Boyce Kiel Brown* Ian Burcher* Jonathon Charlesworth** Chris Bausor and were selected for the Australian Junior Tristan Clemons* Brent Dancer** Team to compete in the AYOF tournament in Sydney from the 6th - 18th Bevan George, OAM* Greg Hearn January. The team won the Gold medal after defeating India 2-1. Bausor Aaron Hopkins* Fergus Kavanagh* was forced to withdraw from the squad after picking up a hand injury. Justin Knapp** Nathan McGuire Ross Meadows* Trent Mitton WAIS squad members Kiel Brown, Ian Burcher, Fergus Kavanagh and Ross Travis Taylor Jason Vuletich Meadows were selected for the Australian team that played a four match Arun Zalewski series against Holland in WA. Busselton, Bunbury and Perth all hosted matches with Australia winning the series 2-1. Ian Burcher sustained a hamstring injury in the first game and was unavailable for the remainder Major Title Winners of the series. Ian Burcher 2009 Hamburg Masters, Hamburg, Germany Fergus Kavanagh 2009 Hamburg Masters, Hamburg, Germany February proved a busy month for the WAIS hockey program with scholarship Ross Meadows 2009 Hamburg Masters, Hamburg, Germany holders Kiel Brown, Ian Burcher and Fergus Kavanagh all involved in the Graeme Begbie 2009 Hamburg Masters, Hamburg, Germany Kookaburras series with Belgium in Canberra. The Australians won the two match series 2-0.

Graeme Begbie, Ian Burcher, Jonathon Charlesworth and Ross Meadows Australian Representatives played in the Development team against India in Brisbane Kiel Brown 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China in mid February winning the series 2-0. Ian Burcher 2009 Hamburg Masters, Hamburg, Germany Bevan George, OAM 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China WAIS youngsters Chris Bausor, Justin Knapp, Travis Taylor, Trent Mitton Fergus Kavanagh 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China and Aran Zalewski represented WA in the Under 21 National Championships 2009 Hamburg Masters, Hamburg, Germany in Perth. The team finished third in the tournament. Ross Meadows 2009 Hamburg Masters, Hamburg, Germany Matt Boyce 2009 Junior World Cup, Singapore, Malaysia In March the WA Thundersticks claimed a second successive AHL crown Chris Bausor 2009 Junior World Cup, Singapore, Malaysia with a gripping 2-1 win over Queensland in Tasmania. WAIS was represented Graeme Begbie 2009 Hamburg Masters, Hamburg, Germany through Graeme Begbie, Brent Dancer, Ian Burcher, Jonathon Charlesworth, Ross Meadows, Greg Hearn, Travis Taylor, Matt Boyce, Tristan Clemons, Fergus Kavanagh, Trent Mitton, Chris Bausor and Justin Knapp. ** WAIS / AIS Athlete *AIS / WAIS Athlete At the completion of the 2009 AHL season, Kiel Brown, Fergus Kavanagh, Ross Meadows and Ian Burcher were all named in the Kookaburras international squad. Graeme Begbie was selected in the Kookaburras team to tour Europe in June. Kiel Brown missed the AHL season due to an ' .t._ osteitis pubis complaint.

FergusKIEL K avanagBROWNh Photo: Getty Images 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 38

Hockey womens PROGRAM PARTNERS

The WAIS women’s hockey program got off to a strong start in July with Coach the announcement from Hockey Australia that four WAIS scholarship Neil Hawgood Head Coach holders had been included in the Hockeyroos squad and one athlete as a reserve for the 2008 Beijing Games. Service Providers Kobie McGurk, Kim Walker, and were all Alan Black Coaching Group Manager (from May 2009) included in Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray’s team with Shelly Liddelow Ruth Tyson Program Coordinator (til Dec 2008) named as a reserve. The Australian team headed to Japan ahead of the Geish Hori Strength & Conditioning Olympics for a training camp in Tenri, Japan. Ben Dascombe Physiologist (til Feb 2009) Pete Peeling Physiologist (from Mar 2009) Nine WAIS athletes were selected for the Western Australian Under 21 Heather McGregor-Bayne Psychologist / ACE Coordinator squad to compete in the National Titles in Hobart. Ashleigh Nelson, Carmel Goodman Doctor Chantelle Ciallela, Jemma Buckley, Elle Buckley, Steph Andrews, Holly Fiona Chromiak Physiotherapist White, Paige Collins, and Melissa Luff were all part of the WA team that went through the tournament undefeated to win the competition. Six WAIS athletes from this team were selected for the WAIS Program Athletes Junior World Cup Qualifying team. Stephanie Andrews* Fiona Boyce* Elle Buckley** Jemma Buckley** WAIS had five Hockeyroos in action in Beijing after was Chantelle Ciallella** Paige Collins** ruled out with injury just two days before the start of competition. This Kate Denning** Lisa Eglington (nee Pamenter)** opened the door for WAIS athlete Shelly Liddelow to join the squad. Emily Halliday* Shelly Liddelow** Melissa Luff Kia Mansell The Hockeyroos lost only one match in its Olympic campaign at the Kobie McGurk* Hope Munro* hands of Holland. But after drawing 2-2 with hosts China in their final Ashleigh Nelson* Sian Smithson* pool match, Australia suffered the heartache of missing out on the ** Kim Walker* medal round on goal difference. The Hockeyroos managed to end their Holly White campaign on a high with a 2-0 win over Great Britain for fifth position, with WAIS athlete Hope Munro scoring the winner. Major Title Winners Following the Olympics, a new WAIS squad was selected and AIS Kobie McGurk 2009 Spar Cup, Durban, South Africa affiliated members of the squad were selected for the Institute’s tour Hope Munro 2009 Spar Cup, Durban, South Africa to Europe. , Fiona Boyce, Shelly Liddelow, Kobie McGurk Jayde Taylor Ashleigh Nelson 2009 Spar Cup, Durban, South Africa and all travelled on the tour. Sian Smithson Kim Walker 2009 Spar Cup, Durban, South Africa WAIS scholarship holders Chantelle Ciallela, Jemma Buckley, Steph Andrews, Kate Denning and Fiona Boyce prepared for a Junior World Cup Qualifying test series with New Zealand. Australian Representatives Emily Halliday 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China The remainder of the WAIS squad began preparation for the Australian Shelly Liddelow 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China Hockey League, where the WA Diamonds were chasing a fourth Kobie McGurk 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China straight title. 2009 Spar Cup, Durban, South Africa Hope Munro 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China Four WAIS athletes were named to represent Australia at the 2009 2009 Spar Cup, Durban, South Africa Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney, with Steph Andrews, Kate Ashleigh Nelson 2009 Spar Cup, Durban, South Africa Denning, Paige Collins and Jemma Buckley all involved. Emily Halliday, Kim Walker 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China Sian Smithson, Kobie McGurk, Hope Munro, Kim Walker, Fiona Boyce and 2009 Spar Cup, Durban, South Africa Ashleigh Nelson were all offered AIS scholarships.

The WA Diamonds hopes of winning a fourth consecutive title were Coaching Achievements dealt a blow with WAIS athlete Emily Halliday being ruled out of the Neil Hawgood Assistant Coach, 2008 XXIX Olympics tournament. The Diamonds overcame Halliday’s absence to win their Games, Hockey, China first eight matches and qualify for the finals. Finals week proved more difficult with the side losing twice, to finish third. ** WAIS / AIS Athlete The AHL was followed by the Australian Under 21 National Championships *AIS / WAIS Athlete were WA finished fourth. Two WAIS athletes in Kate Denning and Paige Collins were selected in the Junior World Cup squad. Both athletes were named in a team camp to travel to Japan, but Denning was forced to withdraw in order to sit university exams.

WAIS played a two match series against a touring Malaysian women’s team, winning the first contest 2-1 and drawing the second 1-1.

Three WAIS athletes were selected for the Spar Cup tournament in South Africa, where Australia defeated the hosts, India and Argentina to claim the Cup win. Kobie McGurk, Hope Munro and Kim Walker all represented the Hockeyroos.

Kobie McGurk, Kim Walker, Hope Munro and Ashleigh Nelson were selected for Champions Trophy to be held in Sydney in July.

KIM WALKER Photo: Getty Images 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 40

Netball PROGRAM PARTNERS

The WAIS netball program enjoyed a productive year, with three athletes The WAIS squad started its WA Premier League campaign for 2009 in May with involved with the Australian Diamonds and a host of young talented athletes four wins from its first five matches. WAIS scholarship holders Caitlin Bassett, progressing through the WA Premier League and ANL. Andrea Gilmore, and Shae Bolton were selected for the Australian Under 21 squad for the World Youth Cup to compete in the Cook In July WAIS athletes were invited to attend AIS training camps in Canberra. Islands in August. Mia Washbourne was selected for the National Under 17 Camp. Sarah East and Sarah Tatam were selected for the National Under 19 camp. Caitlin The WA team for the 2009 ANL was selected in June with Ash Neal, Sarah Bassett, Andrea Gilmore and Jasmine Keene were selected for the National Ebbott, Sarah East, Lindal Rohde, Sarah Tatam, Mia Washbourne and Alicia Under 21 camp. The WAIS squad competed in a successful two match series Janz all included. Tess Cransberg, Denise Shepley, and Alice Coakley are all against the Singapore national team in Perth. selected as train on athletes initially.

The WAIS team completed its 2008 WA Premier League season in fifth position. WAIS athletes Ash Neal, Sarah East, Briony Carlyon, Alicia Janz, Josie Janz, Coach Emma Beckett, Sarah Tatam, Sarah Geddes and Mia Washbourne were all Michelle Wilkins Head Coach selected for the WA ANL squad. Fellow WAIS scholarship holders Sally Joynes Sue Kenny Assistant Coach and Amy Fisher were included as train on squad members.

In August, the WA Australian National League team had four wins and three Service Providers losses in its opening games. WAIS athletes Ash Neal, Sarah East and Josie Janz Alan Black Coaching Group Manager (from May 2009) all produced solid form for WA. Ruth Tyson Program Coordinator (til Dec 2009) Greg Morgan Strength & Conditioning Kate Beveridge, Caitlin Bassett and Susan Fuhrmann attended the national Claire Rechichi Physiologist (til June 2009) team selection camp for the New World International Series. Kate Beveridge Peter Peeling Physiologist (from March 2009) gained selection in the Australian team. Andrew Lyttle Biomechanist Matthew Doyle Perfomance Analyst WA continued its ANL campaign into September, defeating NSW Blues Matthew Burgin Sports Psychologist convincingly to set up a tense contest with the NSW Waratahs with the winner Kelly Botha Sports Psychologist to progress to the finals. The match went to overtime with NSW earning a one Jenny Marsh ACE Counsellor point win. WAIS athletes Joise Janz, Emma Beckett and Ash Neal all performed Carmel Goodman Doctor well for WA. Jacinta Downey Physiotherapist

Kate Beveridge represented Australia in two tests against New Zealand in the New World International Series. Australia won the first test 53-51 before WAIS Program Athletes taking the second test 38-31. In the Under 21 series, Australia won both Caitlin Bassett Kate Beveridge matches comfortably. Madison Browne Briony Carlyon Jade Carmody Alice Coakley In October, Beveridge was joined in the national team by Caitlin Bassett for Tess Cransberg Sarah East the Holden series with England and New Zealand. Bassett made her international Sarah Ebbott Amy Fisher debet in the series as Australia won three of the four matches for a strong Susan Fuhrmann Sarah Geddes series win. Andrea Gilmore** Alicia Janz Josephine Janz Sally Joynes The WAIS netball squad for the 2009 WA Premier League was selected in Jasmine Keene** Janelle Lawson November with Ash Neal, Sarah Ebbott, Sarah East, Ellie Smart, Denise Kaitlyn Lilly Natalie Moeahu-pehi Shepley, Briony Carlyon, Kaitlyn Lilly, Natalie Moeahu-Pehi, Lindal Rohde, Ashleigh Neal Lindal Rohde Tess Cransberg, Sarah Tatam, Mia Washbourne, Alice Coakley and Alicia Janz Denise Shepley Ellie Smart all included. Nikala Smith Sarah Tatam Mia Washbourne WAIS athlete Ellie Smart received a Wally Foreman Foundation Scholarship grant in December. WAIS athletes Susan Fuhrman, Andrea Gilmore, Jasmine Keene and Josie Janz received contracts for 2009 ANZ Australian Representatives Championship season, whilst fellow WAIS scholarship holder Kate Beveridge Kate Beveridge 2008 Australia/NZ Test New World Series, was retained by the . Australia/NZ 2008 Australia/NZ/England Holden Series, WAIS athletes Andrea Gilmore, Caitlin Bassett and Josie Janz were named in Australia the Australia Under 21 squad camp in February. In WA age selections, Mia Caitlan Bassett 2008 Australia/NZ/England Holden Series, Washbourne, Sarah Tatam, Sarah Ebbott, Briony Carlyon and Ash Neal were Australia selected in the Under 21 squad. Alice Coakley, Tess Cransberg, Lindal Rohde, 2008 Australia/NZ 21 & Under Series, Alicia Janz and Sarah East were selected in the Under 19 squad and Ellie Smart Australia/NZ and Denise Shepley were named in the Under 17 squad. 2009 Australia/Jamaica Test Series, Jamaica WAIS and West Coast Fever squad members, Susan Fuhrmann, Caitlin Bassett Andrea Gilmore 2008 Australia/NZ 21 & Under Series, and Thunderbirds Kate Beveridge were selected for the Diamonds National Australia/NZ Camp. 2009 Australia/Jamaica Test Series, Jamaica The West Coast Fever warmed up for the 2009 ANZ Championship season with Josie Janz 2009 Australia/Jamaica Test Series, a pre-season match against the Presidents XII. WAIS athletes Ash Neal, Alicia Jamaica Janz and Alice Coakley all featured for the Presidents XII, with Ash Neal Madison Browne 2009 Australia/Jamaica Test Series, winning player of the match, despite being on the losing team. Josie Janz, Jamaica Andrea Gilmore and Caitlin Bassett travelled to Jamaica with the National Shae Bolton 2009 Australia/Jamaica Test Series, Under 21 team and defeated the hosts in a three test series. Jamaica April was dominated by underage championships held in Canberra. The WA Under 21 team finished fourth, the Under 19 team finished seventh and the Under 17 side finished sixth. Andrea Gilmore, Caitlin Bassett, Josie Janz, Shae Coaching Achievements Sue Kenny National Assistant 2008/09 Australia/NZ/ Bolton and Madison Browne gained selection in the national Under 21 squad. KATE BEVERIDGE England, Holden Series, Australia/NZ Mia Washbourne, Sarah Tatam and Sarah East were selected for the Under 19 Photo: Getty Images squad and Ellie Smart was selected for the Under 17 team. ** WAIS / AIS Athlete 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 42 43

Rowing PROGRAM PARTNERS

A large contingent of WAIS rowers Coaches Barrington, Australia travelled to Lake Barrington in Antonio Maurogiovanni Head Coach (til March 2009) Brittany Mann 2009 Nationals, U23W4x, Lake Tasmania to compete at the National Jason Lane Senior Coach (til May 2009) Barrington, Australia Rowing Championships in March. Sean Leyland Junior & Development Coach Conor McCombe 2009 Nationals, U23W8+, Lake Megan Bagworth won gold as part of (til August 2008) Barrington, Australia the women’s squad. David Milne Coach (from May 2009) (part-time) Ashleigh Miles 2009 Nationals, U23W4x, Lake Barrington, Australia Georgia Baker and Ashleigh Miles 2009 Nationals, U19W2x, Lake won gold in the U19 women’s pair, Service Providers Barrington, Australia Baker, Miles and Brittany Mann were Simon Jones Coaching Group Manager (from Jan 2009) 2009 Nationals, U23W8+, Lake all part of the U23 women’s four squad Andrew Smith Program Coordinator (til Jan 2009) Barrington, Australia which claimed gold. Baker, Hagan, Antonio Maurogiovanni Rowing Performance Manager (from March 2009) Emily Rose 2009 Nationals, U23W8+, Lake Miles, Conor McCombe, and Rose all Gilman Barnitt Strength & Conditioning Barrington, Australia featured in WA’s U23 women’s eight Geish Hori Strength & Conditioning Todd Skipworth 2009 Nationals, OLM1x, Lake squad that won gold. Aside from Ted Polglaze Physiologist (til May 2009) Barrington, Australia featuring in the four and eight, Hagan Sacha Fulton Physiologist (from June 2009) David Watts 2009 Nationals, U19M1x, Lake retained her U19 crown. Matthew Doyle Biomechanist Barrington, Australia Matthew Burgin Psychologist 2009 Nationals, U19M4x, Lake Daisy De la Hunty enjoyed a successful Jenny Marsh ACE Counsellor Barrington, Australia campaign in Tasmania winning gold in Carmel Goodman Doctor the U19 women’s and U19 Alison Low Physiotherapist women’s eight, as well as securing JP Caneiro Physiotherapist Australian Representatives silver in the U19 women’s four. Libby (Elizabeth) Alderman 2008 World U23 Rowing Championships, U23W2-, Brandenburg, Germany Cameron Brewer and Rhys Grant won WAIS Program Athletes Natalie Bale 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, OW8+, Beijing, silver in the U23 men’s pair, teamed Photo: Getty Images Libby (Elizabeth) Alderman* Megan Bagworth* China -1-- ______with Christian Eyres and Brendan Georgia Baker** Natalie Bale** Elliott Bannan 2008 World Junior Championships, Murray for silver in the men’s four and mens lightweight : (front-back) todd skipworth, ben Elliott Bannan U19M4-, Ottensheim, Austria again teamed with Eyres and Murray along with four others for a third cureton, Anthony Edwards, rod Chisholm Cameron Brewer** ** Amber Bradley 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, OW4x, place finish in the U23 men’s eight. Rosie Burton Sam Collins Beijing, China The WAIS rowing program undertook a restructure in 2008/09 and continued Ben Cureton Daisy De La Hunty Cameron Brewer 2008 World U23 Rowing Championships, to unearth talented new athletes with a strong performance at the National Perry Ward and Ross Brown combined to win silver in the men’s pair before David Dennis* Jeremy Ellis U23M4- Brandenburg, Germany Championships following six athletes being selected for the Australian joining with Todd Skipworth and Thomas Nicholls for second place in the Christian Eyres Steven Fletcher Ross Brown 2008 XXIX Olympic Games Reserve, rowing team at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. men’s four. Ward, Brown, Skipworth and Nicholls all competed as part of James Gatti* Tom Gatti Beijing, China WA’s men’s eight, again finishing second. Rhys Grant* Alex Hagan Ben Cureton 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, OLM4-, In July six WAIS athletes were selected into the national rowing squad for Jamie Hewlett** Joshua Hicks Beijing, China the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. David Dennis and Jeremy Stevenson WAIS athlete Tom Gatti secured a win in the U19 men’s pair, with fellow David Kelly** David Dennis 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, OM8+, gained nomination for the men’s eight boat, Natalie Bale was selected for WAIS scholarship holders Sam Collins and Josh Hicks combining for Brittany Mann* Morag McCallum Beijing, China the women’s eight, Ben Cureton and Todd Skipworth were included in the second. Gatti, Collins and Hicks all formed part of WA’s U19 men’s four, Conor McCombe Ashleigh Miles** Christian Eyres 2008 World Junior Championships, lightweight men’s four and Amber Bradley was selected for the women’s which claimed another gold medal at Lake Barrington. Brendan Murray Thomas Nicholls** U19M4-, Ottensheim, Austria quad scull boat. Michael O'Shea Hugh Rawlinson James Gatti 2008 World U23 Rowing Championships, James Gatti, David Kelly and Jeremy Stevenson competed together in the Sally Robbins Emily Rose* U23M2x, Brandenburg, Germany Five WAIS athletes travelled to Brandenburg, Germany in July to compete men’s quad scull, taking third place. Gatti and Kelly also competed in the Adam Seroka Todd Skipworth Rhys Grant 2008 World U23 Rowing Championships in the U23 World Rowing Championships. Elizabeth Alderman and Emily men’s four, winning silver. Jeremy Stevenson claimed a silver medal in the Jeremy Stevenson* Perry Ward** U23M4-, Brandenburg, Germany Rose won a silver medal in the women’s pair, Cameron Brewer and Rhys men’s single scull. David Watts Alex Hagan 2008 World Junior Championships, Grant finished fourth in the men’s four and James Gatti finished 12th as U19W1x, Ottensheim, Austria a member of the men’s double. WAIS athletes competed for World Championship selection in April at the Harley Mooney 2008 World Junior Championships, national selection trials. Perry Ward and Ross Brown claimed victory in the Major Title Winners U19M4-, Ottensheim, Austria lightweight pair. Georgia Baker finished second in the women’s single Hugh Rawlinson 2008 World Rowing Championships, OM2+, WAIS also had five athletes competing at the World Junior Championships Megan Bagworth 2009 Nationals, OW4X, Lake scull, with Ashleigh Miles taking fifth. Jeremy Stevenson finished in sixth Ottensheim, Austria in Ottensheim, Austria. Elliot Bannan, Christian Eyres, Harley Mooney Barrington, Australia place in the final of the men's single scull, whilst Emily Rose and Libby Emily Rose 2008 World U23 Rowing Championships, and David Watts competed together in the men’s four, finishing fourth, Georgia Baker 2009 Nationals, U23W4x, Lake Alderman gave a good account of themselves, finishing second in the U23W2-, Brandenburg, Germany whilst Alexandra Hagan contested the women’s single in fifth place. Barrington, Australia women's pair. WAIS athlete Sam Collins had a win as part of the men's Todd Skipworth 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, OLM4-, 2009 Nationals, U19W2x, Lake junior , coming home in a time of 7:00.12mins over the two Beijing, China Hugh Rawlinson and Perry Ward competed at the Rowing World Barrington, Australia kilometres. Fellow WAIS junior Tom Gatti was fourth. WAIS scholarship Jeremy Stevenson 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, OM8+, Beijing, Championships in Ottensheim, Austria in late July. Rawlinson claimed a 2009 Nationals, U23W8+, Lake holder Alex Hagan finished fifth in the women's junior single scull. Matthew China bronze in the men’s pair, whilst Ward finished eighth in the men’s eight Barrington, Australia Cochran finished sixth in the junior men's single scull. Perry Ward 2008 World Rowing Championships, boat. Sam Collins 2009 Nationals, U19M4-, Lake OLM8+, Ottensheim, Austria Barrington, Australia WAIS rowing coach Jason Lane accepted the position of Head Rowing David Watts 2008 World Junior Championships, Skipworth and Cureton progressed through the heat stages, but were Daisy De La Hunty 2009 Nationals, U19W2-, Lake Coach at the South Australian Sports Institute in May. Following the U19M4-, Ottensheim, Austria unable to qualify for the A Final, instead competing in the B Final where Barrington, Australia they finished third. The men’s and women’s eight boat crews both qualified completion of the 2009 Australian rowing selection trials, WAIS had three senior, four U23 and four junior athletes named by for 2009 Nationals, U19W8+, Lake for A Finals after progressing through the repechage stage. Dennis and Barrington, Australia Stevenson finished sixth in the men’s final, whilst Bale and her crew the international season. Ross Brown will be rowing as part of the men's Coaching Achievements lightweight coxless four in the senior A team in Posnan, Poland where he Tom Gatti 2009 Nationals, U19M4-, Lake finished sixth in the women’s final. Bradley and her quad scull crew also Barrington, Australia Antonio Maurogiovanni Olympic Coach, 2008 XXIX Olympic finished sixth after qualifying for the A Final. will be joined by AIS-WAIS rowers Libby Alderman and Emily Rose, who will Games OLM2x; OLM4-, Beijing, China compete as part of the women's coxless four. 2009 Nationals, U19M2-, Lake Barrington, Australia Jason Lane U23 National Coach, 2008 World U23 The Australian Institute of Sport in January offered scholarships to Alex Hagan 2009 Nationals, U19W4x, Lake Rowing Championships, U23M4-; Elizabeth Alderman, Emily Rose and Megan Bagworth as part of the newly WAIS scholarship holders Cameron Brewer and Rhys Grant will form part of U23W2-; U23M2x, Brandenburg, Germany the Australian U23 men's eight squad that will compete in the Under 23 Barrington, Australia created National Rowing Centre of Excellence. 2009 Nationals, U19W1x, Lake Sean Leyland Junior National Coach, 2008 World World Championships in Racice, Czech Republic. Georgia Baker earned Junior Championships, U19M4-, selection into the women's U23 quad scull squad and Perry Ward will row Barrington, Australia Post Christmas the WAIS program partners agreed to implement changes to 2009 Nationals, U23W8+, Lake Ottensheim, Austria the rowing program in an attempt to increase the WA high performance in the men's lightweight coxless four. WAIS scholarship holders Josh Hicks and Sam Collins were both named in the junior men's coxed four. Tom Gatti Barrington, Australia athlete pathway to national team representation for WA’s talented rowers. Joshua Hicks 2009 Nationals, U19M4-, Lake **WAIS / AIS Athlete WAIS Head Rowing Coach Antonio Maurogiovanni accepted the newly will compete in the men's coxless four, whilst WAIS athlete Alex Hagan has * AIS / WAIS Athlete created position of WAIS Rowing Performance Manager, where he will work qualified for the women's quad scull crew. to improve the existing networks that support our WA rowing athletes. 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 44

Sailing PROGRAM PARTNERS A The WAIS Sailing Program enjoyed a highly successful year which was Coaches crowned by the gold medal winning 470 pair of Elise Rechichi and Tessa Belinda Stowell Head Coach Parkinson at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

WAIS athletes Chelsea Hall and Stacey Omay competed in the Junior Service Providers World Championships in Poland. The pair finished fourth overall in the Simon Jones Coaching Group Manager (from Jan 2009) women’s fleet, gaining valuable experience. Brian Glencross Program Coordinator (til Jan 2009) Greg Morgan Strength & Conditioning August will remain a month embedded in the WAIS sailing program’s Ted Polglaze Physiologist (til June 2009) history, after Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson claimed a gold medal Sacha Fulton Physiologist (from June 2009) in the 470 sailing at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The competition Matthew Doyle Biomechanist was held in Qing Dao, 750 km south of Beijing where winds were mostly Heather McGregor-Bayne Psychologist light, which suited Rechichi and Parkinson who were a light team. The Jenny Marsh Ace Counsellor Australian duo maintained a vast 18 point lead heading into the final Carmel Goodman Doctor round and won the gold ahead of Holland and Brazil. Alison Low Physiotherapist Rechichi and Parkinson were lauded upon their return home with a series of welcome home events held through supporters, sponsors and WAIS Program Athletes management. The annual Westsail competition was held in Rockingham Russell Boaden Tristan Brown with Mat Jerwood and Patrick Vos along with David Gilmour and Timothy Castles Rachel Cox James Omay showing potential in the men’s 420 class. David Gilmour Chelsea Hall Ryan Hannan Colin Harrison Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson were announced as joint winners of Mathieu Higgins Mathew Jerwood the WAIS Athlete of the Year Award at the 2008 WAIS Annual Dinner. Paul Kelly Tim Lynch Rechichi and Parkinson shared the award with pole vault gold medallist Graeme Martin James Omay Steve Hooker. Stacey Omay Luke Parkinson Tessa Parkinson** Elise Rechichi** The tail end of 2008 was focused on training and preparation towards Eamon Robertshaw Steven Thomas the National Championships in January. The Team ran Patrick Vos Jasper Warren a camp at Hamilton Island for the ASDS development squad, which Mark Whittington featured a strong contingent of WAIS athletes.

Sail Sydney – the first of the Down Under series regattas – was held in Major Title Winners December, with Chelsea Hall and Stacey Omay winning the women’s Tessa Parkinson 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, 470, Beijing, 470. Mark Whittington made significant strides competing against the China best Radial sailors in Australia. Tim Lynch and Tristan Brown continued Elise Rechichi 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, 470, Beijing, to improve their burgeoning partnership. China Fremantle Sailing Club hosted the Laser nationals in January where WAIS athlete Ryan Hannan finished second overall, his best ever result in a national. This result qualified Hannan for the World Championships Australian Representatives in August. Chelsea Hall 2009 Europeans, 470, Gmunden, Austria 2009 Kiel World Cup, 470, Kiel, Germany In the 420 category, David Gilmour and James Omay finished second Stacey Omay 2009 Europeans, 470, Gmunden, Austria behind the Singaporean team, with Patrick Vos and Mat Jerwood in third. 2009 Kiel World Cup, 470, Kiel, Germany Ryan Hannan 2009 Kiel World Cup, Laser, Kiel, Germany Mandurah hosted the Youth National Championships, which doubled as Timothy Castles 2009 Kiel World Cup, Finn, Kiel, Germany selections for the Youth Worlds. David Gilmour and James Omay won the Tessa Parkinson 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, 470, Beijing, regatta and qualified for the Youth World Championships. China Elise Rechichi 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, 470, Beijing, In the 49er class, WAIS athletes Steve Thomas and Luke Parkinson China finished third. Parkinson has since switched to the RSX windsurfer Rachel Cox 2008 Paralympic Games, SKUD 18, Beijing, class, whilst Thomas will compete in the 2009 World Championships in China Italy, in July. Colin Harrison 2008 Paralympic Games, Sonar, Beijing, China In Febraury the State Championships for the 420 class were competed Graeme Martin 2008 Paralympic Games, Sonar, Beijing, at Hillary’s Yacht Club, with Mat Jerwood and Patrick Vos claiming a China convincing win over David Gilmour and James Omay. Russell Boaden 2008 Paralympic Games, Sonar, Beijing, China WAIS scholarship holder Tim Castles – who had made the change to Finn class – competed in his first regatta in March. Castles performed **WAIS / AIS Athlete well at the Adelaide International Regatta, finishing equal second, before being relegated to third place on a count back. Castles will compete in the Finn Gold Cup in Denmark in July, which is the class equivalent to the World Championships.

In May Chelsea Hall and Stacey Omay competed in the Holland World Cup event, finishing 13th overall. The result was a positive start to the pair’s European season and lead up to World Championships.

Chelsea Hall and Stacey Omay endured a frustrating campaign in Austria at the European Championships. The competition was hampered by a lack of wind, with the girls struggling for fluency as a result, finishing 27th. womens 470: Elise rechichi & tessa Parkinson Photo: Getty Images I Michelle Andrew S Australia Softball Photo: 46 Head Coach Head Coordinator Program & Conditioning Strength Physiologist Biomechanist Psychologist Counsellor ACE Doctor Physiotherapist Bowran Claire Rebecca Crosby Freeguard Jemma Humble Ebony Lister Annalyse Medwin Ashleigh Stevenson** Jodie PROGRAM PARTNERS Athlete / AIS **WAIS Coach Johanson Kere Service Providers Ruth Tyson Morgan Greg Ben Dascombe Lyttle Andrew Burgin Matthew Tim Chambers Goodman Carmel Oldmeadow Damian Athletes Program WAIS Andrew Michelle Clews Chermai Forkin** Chelsea Godfrey** Leigh Elly Lambkin Long-Droppert** Verity Emily Sharp Michelle Michelle Annalyse Annalyse Chermai , Clews were all members members all were Sharp Emily Chelsea Forkin was another finalist for , Leigh Godfrey, Godfrey, Leigh , Stevenson Jodie and annual report annual and

Verity Verity , Long-Droppert and and Crosby Rebecca Ash Ash Medwin,

, Croxford Sarah

2008/2009 2008/2009

Softball In March the WAIS softball program closed representatives being with provided all access national to squad WAIS services Support Program. Athlete Individual the through and support Following the Gilley’sAIS Shield scholarships.season,Institute. based Canberra the with scholarships accepted all Stevenson three WAIS Verity athletes were Long-Droppert, issued Chelsea Forkin and Jodie WA WA was forced to settle for a third place finish, after being defeated semi-final. major in the Heat Queensland 6-0 by the , Andrew Lister, 2008/09 season. the for squad Flames WA the of The WA Flames team that competedable to achieve history by topping the table for the first time leading in the 2008/09 Gilley’sinto the Shield finals. were the award. the Forkin, Chelsea athletes WAIS In July the women’s Olympic softball team representatives from was WAIS selected. announced The with Australian team no went on in Beijing. medal to a bronze winning campaign, enjoy a successful athlete WAIS with night awards its hosted Australia Softball October In Leigh Godfrey claiming the 2008 Junior Athlete of the Year Award. WAIS athlete The WAIS softball program operated in its final year as a WAIS program program WAIS a as year final its in operated program softball WAIS The in 2008/09. The decisionWAIS to closeBoard’s the reviewprogram wasits of madethe following institutes documented the guiding criteria. sport principles program portfolio and sport against program selection

yearbook

2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 48

Swimming PROGRAM PARTNERS

The WAIS Swimming program had an eventful year in 2008/09 which Coaches included world breaking feats, Olympic medals and a re-structure of Roger Bruce Elite Coach operations. WAIS had two Olympic representatives at the 2008 Beijing Matt Magee Elite Coach Games, with Eamon Sullivan and Travis Nederpelt both earning selection Grant Stoelwinder Elite Coach onto the Australian Dolphins swimming team. Mel Tantrum Elite Coach Nick Watkins Elite Coach Sullivan had by far the busier schedule, competing in the 50m freestyle, Dion Mepham Elite Coach 100m freestyle and two relay squads in Beijing. Rod Bonsack Elite Coach Tom Stachewicz Elite Coach WAIS athlete Eamon Sullivan produced an incredible effort in claiming Western Australia’s first medal in Beijing, after he broke the 100m freestyle world record in his leg of the 100m freestyle relay final. Sullivan Service Providers gave Australia a substantial lead, but it was chased down by the French Simon Jones Program Coordinator (til Dec 2008) and US teams respectively as Sullivan and Australia secured bronze. Coaching Group Manager (from Jan 2009) Greg Hodge Swimming Performance Manager (from Sullivan’s individual 100m freestyle campaign was just as memorable after May 2009) he and Frenchman Alain Bernard traded world record breaking swims in Geish Hori Strength & Conditioning qualifying for the final. Sullivan was forced to settle for silver after being Ben Dascombe Physiologist (til Feb 2009) touched out by a slim margin in the final by Bernard. Sacha Fulton Physiologist (from June 2009) Andrew Lyttle Biomechanist & Performance Analyst Sullivan entered the 50m freestyle as the world record holder and easily Matthew Burgin Psychologist qualified for the Olympic final, but he missed out on a medal after Heather McGregor-Bayne ACE Counsellor finishing sixth in the one lap event. Sullivan completed his Olympic Peter Steele Doctor schedule with a second silver medal in the Australian medley relay team. Brett Slocombe Physiotherapist Jeremy Hunter Physiotherapist Travis Nederpelt produced a personal best in his heat for the 400m Deborah Kerr Dietician individual medley, but it was not enough to progress after he finished Bernd Adolph Masseur fifth. Competing against the great US athlete Michael Phelps however, demonstrated the quality Nederpelt was competing against. Nederpelt also competed in the 200m butterfly finishing sixth in his heat. WAIS Program Athletes Melissa Benson Rebecca Blevins WAIS athletes produced some impressive performances at the Australian Ayrton Dickey Rhiannon Dielesen Short Course Championships in Melbourne in September. Blair Evans set Tommasso D'Orsogna Blair Evans three personal bests in winning two gold medals and a bronze. Evans won Christian Halliley Garth Kates the 800m freestyle, the 400m freestyle and finished third in the 200m Jarrad Lawford Gianna Leone freestyle. Amy Lucas Rhys Mainstone Jessica Mitchell Travis Nederpelt Tommaso D’Orsogna also had an impressive meet winning the B Final of Steve Neuwert Jennifer Reilly the 200m freestyle in a personal best time that would have claimed fourth Eamon Sullivan** Kristopher Taylor in the A Final. D’Orsogna also claimed silver in the 100m individual medley Craig Tucker Brooke Wilson and a fifth place finish in the 100m freestyle final.

WAIS athlete Amy Lucas finished third in the 200m backstroke and Craig Tucker earned a pair of bronze medals in the 100m and 200m breastroke Major Title Winners finals. Blair Evans 2008 Short Course, 400M Freestyle, I Melbourne, Australia -4. Following the Championships Blair Evans, Tommaso D’Orsogna and open 2008 Short Course, 800M Freestyle, Melbourne, Australia water swimmer Rhys Mainstone were selected for the Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Guam. Mainstone qualified after finishing 2009 National Championships, 800M second in the 10km open water swimming Championships in Sydney. Freestyle, Sydney, Australia Eamon Sullivan 2008 National Championships, 100M In November Tommaso D’Orsogna accepted a scholarship offer from the Freestyle, Sydney, Australia Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. 2008 National Championships, 50M Freestyle, Sydney, Australia Blair Evans won a bronze medal at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in January after setting a personal best in the 800m freestyle in Guam. Open water swimmer Rhys Mainstone won a silver medal in the 10km Australian Representatives event. Blair Evans took out her first national title in March with a win in Tommaso D'Orsogna 2008 Fina Youth World Championships, the 800m freestyle event after setting a new personal best time of 100M Freestyle, Mexico, Mexico 8:30.86min, which doubled as an A-Qualifying time for the World Blair Evans 2009 Junior Pan Pacs, 800M Freestyle, Championships. Guam, Australia Rhys Mainstone 2009 Junior Pan Pacs, Open Water 10km, In a close race, Evans made a break at the 400m mark to put a surge on Guam, Australia her rivals. Showing experience beyond her 17 years, Evans managed to Travis Nederpelt 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, 200m Fly hold off the challenges of Melissa Gorman and Olympic gold medallist in Beijing, China the 4 x 200m relay Bronte Barratt to record a brilliant win. Evans and Eamon Sullivan 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, 100M Mainstone both secured places in the Australian Dolphins swim team to Freestyle, Beijing, China travel to Rome for the 2009 Swimming World Championships. In April, 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, 50M Freestyle, WAIS appointed Greg Hodge to the newly created position of Swimming Beijing, China Performance Manager. Hodge – who is a former High 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, 100m Relay, Performance Director – will co-ordinate the existing network of coaches Beijing, China working in aquatic centres around WA. Hodge will support these coaches **WAIS / AIS Athlete EAMON SULLIVAn and their athletes, as well as their WAIS service team, with the ultimate Photo: Getty Images aim of seeing WA swimmers make Olympic teams into the future.

p

a 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 50 51

Water Polo mens PROGRAM PARTNERS

I-; The Western Australian 18 and Under team finished second in the National Major Title Winners Championships in Melbourne. Aaron Younger was named tournament MVP Jamie Beadsworth 2009 National League, Sydney, Australia i -F -I and also took the highest goal scorer award. Following the tournament James Fannon 2008 Bernhard Baier Cup, Hannover, - - r Aaron Younger, Edward Slade, James Fannon, Perry Short, Nick Redbond and Germany Jack Collier were all named for the Australian team to compete in the 2009 2009 National League, Sydney, Australia World Junior Championships in Croatia next August. Daniel Lawrence 2008 High Tatras Cup, Novaky, Slovakia 2009 National League, Sydney, Australia The ’ WAIS contingent helped the club to a national Nicholas O'Halloran 2009 National League, Sydney, Australia league championship win in May. The Mariners defeated Tim Cleland’s Perry Short 2008 Bernhard Baier Cup, Hannover, Drummoyne 7-6 in a thrilling final in Sydney. Aaron Younger was named in Germany the National League All-Star Seven men’s team, whilst Daniel Lawrence won 2009 National League, Sydney, Australia the finals series MVP award. Edward Slade 2008 Bernhard Baier Cup, Hannover, Germany James Stanton, Nicholas O’Halloran, Daniel Lawrence, Aaron Younger, Tim 2009 National League, Sydney, Australia Cleland and Luke Quinlivan were all named in Australia’s squad for the World James Stanton 2009 National League, Sydney, Australia Championships to be held in Rome. Jamie Beadsworth pulled out of the Joel Swift 2008 High Tatras Cup, Novaky, Slovakia squad to focus on his final year university studies. 2009 National League, Sydney, Australia Aaron Younger 2008 Bernhard Baier Cup, Hannover, WAIS athletes James Stanton, Nicholas O’Halloran, Daniel Lawrence, Aaron Germany Younger, Tim Cleland and Luke Quinlivan all competed for Australia as the 2009 National League, Sydney, Australia Sharks qualified for the World League Finals. Australia defeated Japan, Iran and New Zealand. Australian Representatives Stanton, O’Halloran, Lawrence and Cleland were then selected to compete in Jamie Beadsworth 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, the World League Finals in Podgorica, Montenegro in June. Australia finished China sixth after losing 11-10 to Italy in the fifth place play-off. Tim Cleland 2009 World League Final, Podgorica, Montenegro Luke Quinlivan, Nicholas O’Halloran, Aaron Younger and Joel Swift were Jack Collier 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival, selected to compete at the World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia. WAIS Sydney, Australia coach Paul Oberman was appointed as Australian coach. James Fannon 2008 Bernhard Baier Cup, Hannover, Germany 2008 Vikelas Cup, Syros, Greece Coach Daniel Lawrence 2008 High Tatras Cup, Novaky, Slovakia Andrei Kovalenko Head Coach (til Dec 2008) 2009 World League Final, Podgorica, Paul Oberman Head Coach (from Feb 2009) Montenegro Tim Neesham 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China Photo: Getty Images Service Providers Nicholas O'Halloran 2009 World League Final, Podgorica, Alan Black Coaching Group Manager (from May Montenegro JAMES STANTON 2009) Perry Short 2008 Bernhard Baier Cup, Hannover, Brian Glencross Program Coordinator (til Dec 2008) Germany The WAIS men’s water polo program enjoyed a productive year with three The WA State 20 and Under team finished second in the National Greg Morgan Strength & Conditioning 2008 Vikelas Cup, Syros, Greece athletes selected for the Beijing Olympics and a young squad of WAIS talent Championships in Sydney. WAIS scholarship holders Edward Slade, James Ted Polglaze Physiologist (til May 2009) Edward Slade 2008 Bernhard Baier Cup, Hannover, helping the Fremantle Mariners to a national league crown. Fannon, Aaron Younger, Perry Short, Daniel Lawrence, Joel Swift, Scott Sacha Fulton Physiologist (from June 2009) Germany Chrystal, Sasha Kovalenko and Alex Lee were all selected. Andrew Lyttle Biomechanist 2008 Vikelas Cup, Syros, Greece James Fannon, Perry Short, Edward Slade and Aaron Younger were all Heather McGregor-Bayne Psychologist James Stanton 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, selected for the Australian 18 and Under team on a European Tour in July At these Championships, Aaron Younger was named Player of the Tournament Jenny Marsh ACE Counsellor China and August. and along with Slade, Lawrence and Swift was named in the National Under Carmel Goodman Doctor 2009 World League Final, Podgorica, 20 squad to tour Europe later in the year. Brett Slocombe Physiotherapist Montenegro Australia claimed the Bernhard Baier Cup in Germany, where they finished Andrew Stanford Physiotherapist Joel Swift 2008 High Tatras Cup, Novaky, Slovakia the tournament undefeated. Australia had impressive wins against European In February WAIS appointed a new Men’s Head Water Polo coach with Paul Danielle Woodhouse Physiotherapist Aaron Younger 2008 Bernhard Baier Cup, Hannover, powerhouses Serbia, Montenegro, Russia, Italy and Germany. Oberman replacing Andrei Kovalenko. Oberman represented Australia at the Germany 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and was a veteran of three World Championship 2008 Vikelas Cup, Syros, Greece The Australian 20 and Under team played in the High Tatras Cup in Slovakia campaigns and played over 250 international games. WAIS Program Athletes with Australia winning the six Nation Tournament with WAIS Scholarship Jamie Beadsworth Scott Chrystal holders Daniel Lawrence and Joel Swift making excellent contributions. The 2009 Australian national water polo league commenced with WAIS Tim Cleland Jack Collier athletes representing three separate clubs. James Stanton, Jamie Beadsworth, Jonathan Dodd James Fannon In August three WAIS scholarship holders were selected for the Australian Nicholas O’Halloran, Daniel Lawrence, Joel Swift, Aaron Younger, Edward Jacob Kagi Alexander Kovalenko Sharks team for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Jamie Beadsworth, Tim Slade, James Fannon, Perry Short and Jack Collier were all members of the Daniel Lawrence Alexander Lee Neesham and James Stanton were all part of the squad that finished eighth Fremantle Mariners squad, whilst Tim Cleland accepted a contract with the Tim Neesham Chad Nicholls in China. Drummoyne Devils and Luke Quinlivan played for the Victoria Tigers. Nicholas O'Halloran Luke Quinlivan Nicholas Redbond Perry Short The Sharks put in a strong performance in the group stage claiming two wins James Stanton and Nicholas O’Halloran also played club water polo in Spain Edward Slade James Stanton and a draw against a strong Montenegro side. Australia finished fourth in its with Stanton representing CN Navarra and O’Halloran playing with CN Mataro Joel Swift Rewi Whaitiri pool, just one point away from a quarter final spot, but slow starts against Quadis. Adam Yeates Aaron Younger Spain and Hungary ultimately cost the Sharks a shot at the medal rounds. The Fremantle Mariners reached the halfway point of the season in March Australia instead played in the classification match for seventh position, having not lost a home game and only two on the road to sit fourth in the but was edged out 9-8 by Greece, a team they had earlier beaten in the table. tournament. James Stanton and Nicholas O’Halloran both trained with the men’s national WAIS had three representatives in the Australian team at the Australian team during a European player based training camp in Spain before both Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney. Edward Slade, James Fannon, Jack Collier players completed European contracts to head home for the national and Aaron Younger all played in the 18 and Under competition, helping league. Australia to a bronze medal. 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 52 53

Water Polo womens PROGRAM PARTNERS

In April Viktoria Szilagyi, Dorothy Szilagyi and Millie Martino were members of the Claremont Dolphins Under 14 National Champion Team. Viktoria Szilagyi was awarded the Best Player of the Tournament, whilst Dorothy Szilagyi was the top goal scorer of the competition.

Eliesha Browne, Neesha Nicholls, Claire Pierce, , Eloise Pierce, Erin Redbond, Skye Fagen, Rachel Flint, Tessa Randles, Catherine Earl all made the Western Australian Under 18 State Team for National Championships. WA finished third in the competition.

Zoe Arancini, Rachel Flint, Claire Pierce and Eliesha Browne played in a test series against New Zealand in Canberra at the AIS. The four players a. will travel to Europe and Russia later this year to play in the Junior World Championships.

Ebony Neesham and Libby Alcock were named in the National Under 20 Team to travel to Europe in August and September.

Coach Peter Szilagyi Head Coach

Service Providers Alan Black Coaching Group Manager (from May 2009) Ruth Tyson Program Coordinator (til Dec 2008) Geish Hori Strength & Conditioning Ted Polglaze Physiologist (til May 2009) Sacha Fulton Physiologist (from June 2009) Andrew Lyttle Biomechanist Heather McGregor-Bayne Psychologist Jenny Marsh ACE Counsellor Carmel Goodman Doctor Jane Purdie Doctor Peter Gregory Physiotherapist JP Caneiro Physiotherapist Danielle Woodhouse Physiotherapist

WAIS Program Athletes Catherine Ainsworth Elizabeth Alcock GEMMA BEADSWORTH Zoe Arancini** Gemma Beadsworth** Photo: Getty Images Eliesha Browne Jemma - Bonnie Dessauvagie** Matil Connor Cathryn Earl Maggie Earl Skye Fagen Katie Finucane Rachel Flint The WAIS Women’s Water Polo program has enjoyed a successful 12 In September Eliesha Browne, Erin Redbond, Viktoria Szilagyi, Matil Gemma Hadley Emma Knox months which included two of its members earning bronze medals at Connor, Catherine Earl and Skye Fagen were selected for Western the Olympic Games and all scholarship holders competing in the Australia’s Under 16 team to play in the National Championships in Millie Martino Ebony Neesham Australian national water polo league. Perth. Olympic bronze medallist Emma Knox announced her retirement Neesha Nicholls Claire Pierce from water polo, whilst Gemma Beadsworth announced her intentions Eloise Pierce Glencora Ralph** In July 2008 Gemma Beadsworth and Emma Knox were included in to take a year off from international water polo. Tessa Randles Erin Redbond Australia’s women’s water polo squad to travel for the Olympic Games in Allira Solin Dorothy Szilagyi Beijing. Zoe Arancini, Claire Pierce and Rachel Flint were all included in The WAIS women’s squad participated in the Institute Challenge at the Viktoria Szilagyi the National Under 18 team to travel for a European tour. The Australian AIS in November. Eliesha Browne, Erin Redbond, Viktoria Szilagyi, Matil Under 18 team finished second in the Pythia Cup in Greece and claimed Connor, Catherine Earl, Skye Fagen, Zoe Arancini, Claire Pierce and victory in the Eger Cup hosted in Hungary. Rachel Flint were selected for a National Under 18 training camp in Australian Representatives Canberra at the AIS. Gemma Beadsworth 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China The Australian Stingers were denied a spot in the gold medal playoff in Emma Knox 2008 XXIX Olympic Games, Beijing, China Beijing after it was defeated by eventual champion, the USA in the Eliesha Browne, Erin Redbond, Viktoria Szilagyi, Eloise Pierce, Skye semi-final. With scores locked 8-8 heading into the last minute, Brenda Fagen, Zoe Arancini, Claire Pierce and Rachel Flint all gained selection ** WAIS/AIS Athletes Villa snatched a last gasp goal to claim victory. Beadsworth and Knox in the WA Under 20 squad. were inspirational in Australia’s third place finish, after Australia defeated Hungary in a penalty shootout. Knox played a crucial role, At the start of 2009 Zoe Arancini, Claire Pierce and Rachel Flint were saving two penalties in the Stingers win. selected for the Australian Youth Olympic Team for the sports festival which was being hosted in Sydney. The National Under 18 Team WAIS athletes Ebony Neesham and Catherine Ainsworth travelled with performed impressively finishing second, taking away a silver medal. the National Under 20 Team to the USA. Neesham also took part in the European tour with the National Under 19 team, which travelled through Matil Connor and Catherine Earl were selected for the Australian Greece, Hungary and Great Britain. national youth development team to play in Under 20 National Championships in Sydney. 2007/2008 yearbook and annual report 55

Athlete & Coach Services

Photo: Kaushik Bhowmik

L-R: Martin Fitzsimons, Matthew Doyle, tim chambers, Sacha Fulton, Gilman Barnitt, geish hori, matThew burgin, Jenny Marsh, John Collins, FRANKIE TAN, Heather McGregor-Bayne, Greg Morgan. ABSENT: Peter Peeling, Andrew Lyttle

It was rewarding to watch the magnificent performances of WAIS A register was set up to capture questions that arise from the coaching athletes at the Beijing Olympic Games. Staff within the Athlete and environment and forms the basis from which selected ideas will Coach Services (ACS) department could feel justifiably proud of the part become research projects. WAIS will benefit from the outcomes of the they had played in assisting the athletes to perform on the ultimate projects and the universities are able to engage their students in stage. The excitement was mixed with expectation as the end of one interesting applied projects that further the literature in that area of Olympiad folds rapidly into the start of the next and the ACS department science. were well aware that it will be necessary to work as hard and with due diligence to realise the same outcomes in London 2012. A long association providing sport science and strength training services to the Hockey Australia/AIS high performance unit at Bentley With this thought in mind, the ACS team gathered for a one day forum came to end in 2009. This followed a decision by the unit to employ to review the previous four years and consider where and how service providers internally. The WAIS ACS department had provided improvements could be made. An area of concern was how to manage support to the successful programs at the hockey unit since 1985. One the high request for services while maintaining sustainable and consequence of this decision was that two WAIS physiology staff Ted enjoyable workloads for all staff. Polglaze and Claire Rechichi resigned to take up the dedicated roles with the men’s and women’s programs respectively. Both Ted and The process to find better ways to work in the ACS area was assisted by Claire had a long history with WAIS and their excellent service to the other changes at WAIS, to the coaching area and to the classification Institute is noted. of WAIS scholarship athletes. These changes provided a clear framework upon which to implement the improvements necessary in the services Earlier in the year Ben Dascombe resigned form his role as a area. Prioritisation is an essential element when balancing the physiologist to return to academia. The department welcomed Peter Athlete requirements to service a high number of athletes. Peeling and Sacha Fulton as new staff in the physiology area.

The outcome from a considerable investment of time and expertise by The department was without full time technical support for most of the ACS staff was a model of service delivery that has the individual the year with the recruitment of a suitable applicant proving difficult. athlete as the focus. To achieve this required a significant level of The support of the technical services area at the School of Sport & Coach cooperation with the WAIS coaches. Although the new service delivery Science, Exercise and Health at the University of Western Australia model will focus high quality services to many WAIS athletes it has also during this time was appreciated. revealed that the current staffing levels will not allow a comprehensive service to be offered across all WAIS scholarship holders. The ACS staff Part of the restructure to the sport programs area saw responsibility Services continue to work with the coaches to develop strategies that ensure for the Individual Athlete Support Program (IASP) move under the appropriate services are provided to athletes across all levels of control of the ACS Manager, Martin FitzSimons. The program is only scholarship. The necessity for the sport scientists and coaches to work available to athletes not covered within a WAIS sport program. The together to achieve the goals of WAIS has never been clearer. intent was to better align these athletes with the services available within the ACS department and the initial period has achieved this Although the department once again benefitted from a positive goal. WAIS receptionist Jessica Roberts provided excellent relationship with the universities it sought to better align the many administrative support to the ACS department and in particular, was questions that arise from the coaching process with potential answers. outstanding in supporting the initial stages of the IASP.

Photo: RAW Image 57 As an evolving area, there are subtle changes occurring constantly and and constantly occurring changes subtle are there area, evolving an As the staff worked hard to keep abreast of the current thinking in literature published to analyse held were sessions Regular the formal area. and strong links from were other organisations including professional maintainedsport. Head Strength withCoach strength Gilman of the Barnitt application the attended in the universitieshappenings with head date to of up strength kept training he forums where and coaches network. institute national the to athletes across training Conditioning and New Strength knowledge was National also created the within at the paper department and a Naruhiro presented Hori (Geish) Association annual conference in the USA. Geish also published papers two from work conducted with WAISfor team cycling athletes.British the from cyclists hosted again once facility The a period of off season training in Greg January. Morgan played a key role in hosting the Australian Sailing Paralympic team for a camp at WAIS. newbury FROM GYMNASTICS claire with morgan Strength & Conditioning Strength Retaining Retaining a stable negotiating team the of transition strength from experience was beneficial in access. coaches one the understanding challenges facility of meeting or resources Olympiad was coaching they be to resources, a for requests the the positive next. in Their The majority of coachesWAIS scholarshipand the facility. holders benefit from The application of accessstrength coaching to can training athletes so continues performance to to to links evolve the understand better theto seeks and be optimised. To understandincluding this traditionalrequires inputandstrength/power neural from physiology. multiple training, The sources thesestrength sourcesmedical, coaches with combinephysiotherapy facility. in the time training best use of the theprovide informationknowledge fromof the athlete’s individual coachThe abilityto to provide through the accurate incorporation of technology into the feedbacktraining process. A to linear the transducer athletes was used to was measure improved the power speed after of every movement repetition. and and athlete the The for motivating very be to proved coach instant the and athlete feedback provided to the allowed the coach to in of monitor the improvements the performance training. greg 56

(sy portable develop to continued Doyle Matthew Biomechanist area. this in video feedback capabilities for feedback system several allowed for multiple video views to be synchronously sports. The portable recorded video and played withof videoa time feedbackdelay his work. for Breakfast Champion’s to WAIS year at the the of duringinnovation assist trainingwith the sessions.presentation Matthew was and practices current of aware stay awardedto tried always has department The the end, this To disciplines. science sport respective the in knowledge new several staff from attended staff by attended conferences conference Physiology in Sports Applied the hosted Australia and overseas. WAIS within the national sports institute network. All WAIS contributed physiologists was Polglaze Ted conference. to the of organisation the thisto work of amount event with Ben awarded Dascombe best poster providing Lyttle Andrew team. rowing at Australian the with Italy in while attended a a significant team sport international attended conference he a This Netherlands. area has Three the potential to benefit the application of Dimensional the computational fluid dynamics project outcomes. Andrew was Motion also an Analysis invited conferenceconference. speaker in Psychologist at Sports the the Psychology conference Matthew Australian hosted by Sport. Burgin the Victorian Swim presented Institute of Coaches a paperdaily their in athletes and the to delivered services quality the areas key In at Teachers the to were extended the competition Andrew environment arena. training Polglaze Ted and Rechichi Claire Burgin, Matthew Doyle, Matthew Lyttle, all spent time with athletes in competition across the sport disciplines. science rose y emil and annual report annual and

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2008/2009 2008/2009

Providing the skills expert apply optimalto able was department ACS the and process feedback training to athletes is a core component of the Physiologists Ted Polglazetools andused Clairefor player Rechichisquads. The information gained thus far tracking has aided workedthe preparation of quality better for need the revealed inalso has it but at hockey, their for athletes refining work the with the tools. In is to response measurement in this, WAIS the early stages of national hockey working with external parties to develop a more accurate method in competition. player movement to measure Three PhD projects progresseda during world the Biomechanist year. and leader Matt developmentMatt when Keys applied was continued information in of The dynamics. as a the fluid full analysisswimmer to prior bodyStoelwinder Grant coach to it presented Lyttle knowledge swimAndrew increasing of Tan’s Frankie stroke Beijing. the for departing modelSullivan swimmingEamon using game women’s polo water the in strokestudies computationalhis from requirements Olympics. match of the for preparation withteam national the to addition thevalued a was Claire Rechichi continuedsurrounding her the menstrualcontribution cycle andto performancethe body in eliteof knowledgesport. With a high collective number of years experience in the elite environment sport amongst the againstaff, duringthe sport the scienceyear. the A areakey most wasto positive thewell post work served Olympicconsideration environment for period the was to next to four quality. thecreate years elements While with servicing requiredactivity, the to due athletes deliver projects consideration and a and serviceprofessional coaches was remained ofdevelopment. high given the core to knowledge creation, key Sport Science Sport Frankie

yearbook

2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 58 59

Clinical Services Athlete Career & Education

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Brian Nook from Murdoch University, Jenny Marsh, Water Polo's James Stanton, Tim Chambers and Donna Shepherdson from Murdoch University

Providing support for WAIS athletes facing the ups and downs of The expertise within the ACE area was utilised to assist with internal participation in the Beijing Olympic Games was a critical focus for the policy at WAIS. Angie Wilson, former ACE counsellor at WAIS was program staff, as was post-Beijing debriefing and support. A satisfying engaged to work with the ACE staff to research and develop a financial element was the relatively smooth transition from active participation Photo: Kaushik Bhowmick support policy for athletes The project involved a review of the existing to retirement for those athletes who chose this action. system including focus groups with coaches and athletes, and a review Dr Carmel Goodman with HOCKEY PLAYER kim walker and comparison of similar models that could be applied to WAIS athletes Changes were made to the service delivery model along with the other going forward. The result was a Personal Athlete Financial Support disciplines within the ACS department. Some of the key changes relate Policy which aims to provide targeted financial support to athletes. WAIS is once again appreciative of the significant work achieved by the attendance. A number of the physiotherapists who had attended the to a tiered model of servicing, the addition of structured ‘drop-in’ times Eligible athletes can seek financial support if experiencing difficulty network of medical, physiotherapy and soft tissue therapy providers. Beijing Olympics related the experience of providing services in a and regular learning groups focusing on a life skill theme each month. with living costs that would negatively impact upon their ability to WAIS athletes had access to an excellence of service in all areas of highly pressured environment. In addition to the opportunity to learn National Career Development Week provided the ideal opportunity to train or compete. medical services under the expert direction of Dr Carmel Goodman as from each other, these forums also enabled discussion of ways to launch the new learning groups’ series with an introductory athlete Medical Coordinator. The effective operation of such a network relies improve the outcomes from medical services to the athletes. The strong breakfast and networking meeting. The first learning group session was In a new format for the Gifted Athlete Program (GAP), regional deliveries heavily on positive communication and collaboration between the collaboration between physiotherapist and strength coach was a presented by Tim Chambers in June with a focus on time management. have been reduced and metro delivery introduced. The material was medical providers, coaches, athletes and WAIS staff. significant factor in the rehabilitation from injury for many athletes arranged into basic and advanced level programs to assist with realising during the year. A necessary element for the ACE program is to maintain links with positive outcomes with a more efficient use of time. The GAP provided Two forums were hosted at WAIS which were attended by the network several organisations external to WAIS. The Elite Athlete Friendly a positive WAIS presence across WA as well as employing athletes and physiotherapists along with sport science staff. The forums were chaired Expert advice on nutrition was once again provided by nutritionist Dr University (EAFU) network continued to prove a notable asset for WAIS providing them with a good opportunity to build their profile and by Dr Carmel Goodman and utilised the services of a guest speaker Deborah Kerr. Deborah provided consulting services to WAIS athletes’ athletes. In order to ensure athletes new to tertiary study were abreast public speaking skills. followed by the opportunity for the exchange of ideas between all in coaches and staff through individual consultation and group sessions. of the program, ACE hosted an evening titled “Talking Success with Brad Hogg”. Brad’s talk was followed by a panel interview and discussion Olympic gymnast Lauren Mitchell was awarded the 2009 WAIS Athlete comprising each of the EAFU contacts from UWA, Curtin, Edith Cowan Career and Education Award for balancing her academic pursuits with and Murdoch universities. The panel also included WAIS athlete Andrea her gymnastics. Lauren was able to continue her TEE studies while Gilmore (student athlete and ’08 ACE Excellence Award winner) and competing at the Beijing Olympic Games. Lauren won the award ahead Ramon Andersson (WAIS Canoeing Coach and Olympic medallist). of hockey athlete Kate Denning and fellow gymnast Daria (Dasha) Jasmine Keene (WAIS, West Coast Fever player and Journalism student) Joura. was master of ceremonies. Feedback from athletes was extremely positive and appreciative of the opportunity to learn and meet key Significant effort was made through the year in personal and professional university contacts. Congratulations to Donna Shepherdson, who has development. Program coordinator Heather McGregor-Bayne added been nominated for an award within ECU for her work on the EAFU another key resource to the ACE area by becoming accredited in the program. Myers Briggs Type Indicator. Heather also attended national ACE meetings with other coordinators from across the national network, Athletes have continued to benefit from the partnership with the allowing her to remain aware of current practices in the industry. Jenny Fitness Institute of Australia who provided several scholarships to Marsh commenced a Graduate Certificate of Career Development at ECU athletes interested in pursuing a career within the fitness industry. The while Tim Chambers continued to progress through his Honors in number of student athletes taking the community sports performance Psychology. WAIS congratulates Tim on his marriage to Luanna in endorsed program increased from two gymnasts in 2008 to having two April. athletes from swimming, three from gymnastics and one from water polo enrolled in 2009. 61

Finance & Administration

Photo: Kaushik Bhowmick L-R: CHRIS ABBOTT, ADRIAN BROUGHTON, Natalie Graham, JESSICA ROBERTS, LORREN PORTOLAN, Kaushik Bhowmick, SIMON MOORE-CROUCH, STEVEN LAWRENCE. ABSENT: KRISTIN CHABREL, HONNIE DOBBER.

Staff Human Resources There were some changes to department staff during the year. These Mrs Vanessa Gilbert resigned as Human Resources Officer. Her role is changes required careful planning to ensure they did not impact currently managed by the Finance and Administration Officer and the negatively on the department’s operations. Ms Kristin Chabrel has Executive Assistant. accepted her new role as Finance and Administration officer during the period while continuing to contribute towards supporting the new The Staff Performance Management System was updated during 2008. organisational structure for core business. Information Technology Ms Jessica Roberts, continues as full-time receptionist, managing the DAIS has continued to be developed and maintained by our software first point of contact as one arrives to WAIS. engineer, Mr Adrian Broughton, with improvements on the current version. Optimisation of internal processes in order to enhance the At 30 June 2009, there were 46 full-time staff and 4 permanent part- utilisation of resources available was one of the key goals focussed on time staff. by the Information Technology working group.

Accommodation and Costs The Performance Management Information System (PMIS) - Sport Accommodation costs were managed within budgetary framework for Operational Plans (SOP) has been delayed due to a change in WAIS’ premises during the year keeping in line with challenging development platform for PMIS. It is estimated that the core modules economic circumstances. Due to the age of the building it is anticipated for PMIS solution will be implemented by December 2009. that the level of ongoing maintenance required will continue to increase. The audiovisual repository and communications project is in its implementation stage, where the logistics will concentrate on the local Financial Systems network prior to expansion. This project is aimed at enhancing not only The budgeting model was updated during the year in order to improve WAIS’ communication with the national high performance network but upon the financial management processes. The payroll system was also also providing the potential to distribute high performance coaching Corporate successfully updated. information to regional WA. Services

Photo: RAW Image 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 62 63

PUBLIC RELATIONS Media coverage of the Institute across print, radio and television has been increasing due to the advent of the Olympic year and the work being done by WAIS staff in building relationships with key media Strategic Partners personnel. The good relationship between WAIS and the WA Olympic Department of Sport and Recreation for its strategic alliance Council has assisted this process, particularly with official Olympic supporting athlete sporting pathways in Western Australia. Team announcements.

Australian Sports Commission for its financial commitment to the The expansion of the Go for 2&5 WAIS Community Development Program twelve National Training Centres in Western Australia and its national has been a great success, with WAIS athletes engaging with the Athlete Career and Education program and sport science quality community at a grassroots level. Despite challenges related to the assurance programs that directly benefit WAIS operations. availability of athletes during the Olympic and Paralympic year the program saw 70 activities take place where athletes delivered the VenuesWest (formerly the Western Australian Sports Centre Trust) healthy eating and being active message to young West Australians. for the provision of venues and facilities for our athletes and sport :j I programs. Staff have also played a significant role in the promotion and fundraising for the Wally Foreman Foundation, organising the second 720 ABC Perth Corporate Sponsors Radiothon in November, which raised over $65,000, as well as assisting Healthway promoting the Go for 2&5 message continued their support in setting up the facilitation of $45,000 worth of sporting scholarships of WAIS through the exciting Go for 2&5 WAIS Community Development for the D’Arcy Slater Foundation. Program, enabling the Institute to promote healthy and active lifestyles WAIS SCHOOL visit WITH OLYMPIANS TODD SKIPWORTH AND EMMA KNOX to young people around Western Australia. Website and Corporate Communications After undertaking a significant re-design of the entire WAIS website GO FOR 2 & 5 WAIS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The past 12 months has seen the Public Relations function at WAIS bed Program Sponsors early in 2008 the majority of the past 12 months has been spent IN KALGOORLIE down a number of changes and initiatives that began in the preceding The Carbine Club extended their support of our aspiring athletes ensuring that www.wais.org.au is a must visit site when it comes to the financial year, with the overall result being extremely positive for the through the Carbine Club International Scholarship Fund. This important happenings in Western Australian sport. The focus has been on daily Institute. initiative allocates funding to WAIS athletes to assist with travel to updates of the website, with news and results from athletes across the international competitions. spectrum of WAIS sports ensuring the site is kept dynamic. A second Publications Staffing significant update of the website took place in July 2008 with a Beijing The Public Relations team once again produced two editions of the One of the major changes that was confirmed in the Public Relations Ross Sales and Auctions, Odin Energy and Advance Energy continued Olympics mini-site developed by the Public Relations staff in conjunction Without Compromise Magazine as well as the WAIS Annual Report area was regarding the staff of the department. to sponsor the Men’s Water Polo Program through to the end of 2008, with our contracted web developers iKom Creative Solutions. The over the past 12 months. enabling the squad to buy extra equipment and uniforms to assist their mini-site was designed to be the home of everything Olympic related to After going on 12 months maternity leave in November 2007 Ms training. WA’s 49 athlete representatives with website traffic reaching an all The Without Compromise Magazine was another communication tool Stephanie Neesham decided not to return to WAIS and resigned in time high during the Beijing Games. that was over-hauled during the past 12 months, with iKom Creative order to be a full time mother to son Thomas. The Institute would like The Cancer Council, through the Go for 2&5 message, supporting WAIS Solutions taking over the graphic design to give a common branding to note it’s appreciation to Ms Neesham for her contribution to WAIS as naming rights partners to the expanded Go for 2&5 WAIS Community The Weekly News Bulletin (WNB) was completely over-hauled just with the new website. With the fresh new look the bi-annual magazine during her time as Marketing Manager and wish her the best for the Development Program. This exciting initiative provides schools and prior to the Beijing Olympics, with the weekly e-newsletter updated continues to offer a six month snapshot of the latest happenings at future. sporting clubs the opportunity to have a WAIS athlete visit them and from a basic text format to a fully featured HTML format that drives WAIS, including behind the scenes features on athletes, coaches and promotes healthy eating and active lifestyles. website visitation. The new WNB has solidified its position as the staff as well as articles highlighting our world class performances. It is Following Ms Neesham’s resignation acting Public Relations Manager Mr Institute’s major internal and external communication tool, with the circulated to over 2,000 athletes, sport, corporate and government Simon Moore-Crouch was appointed on a permanent basis. Mr Moore- Kaplan Education continued as a supporter of the Athlete Career and document consisting of up-to-date news and results from WAIS athletes. agencies in both summer and winter. The WAIS Annual Report is Crouch will continue to be responsible for the communications, media Education Department, offering scholarships annually to athletes An extensive subscriber list of sporting organisations, government, another important promotional tool distributed to key stakeholders. and community relations aspects of the Institute. wishing to pursue a career in the financial services industry. sponsors and media ensures WAIS stakeholders are kept up to date with all the latest on the achievements of our athletes. The WAIS Public Relations department also assisted with the production Mr Chris Abbott completed his first year in the new role of Public The Fitness Institute Australia also continued as supporters of the of various department and program publications for presentations, Relations Officer, taking on responsibilities including writing and Athlete Career and Education Department, offering a number of Media seminars and events. producing a number of the WAIS publications, the Weekly News Bulletin scholarships to young athletes wishing to complete courses that will Work on strengthening the Institute’s relationship with the media has and the new website, as well as co-ordinating the new Go for 2&5 WAIS enable them to pursue careers in the fitness industry. been a key activity for the department during the past 12 months, with Go for 2&5 WAIS Community Development Program Community Development Program. the happenings surrounding the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games Following on from last year the department’s work in expanding the Suppliers providing ample opportunities for this to occur. WAIS Community Development Program has been a key focal point. Partnerships Bekkers IT, official supplier of IT services, has continued its long-term Again we acknowledge that this has only been possible through our Throughout 2008/09 WAIS was able to commence or extend partnerships relationship with WAIS. The department has met regularly with WA key media contacts across partnership with Healthway, through The Cancer Council and the Go with a number of organisations. print, radio, television and new media in order to keep them updated for 2&5 message, which has now entered its second year. Coca-Cola, has continued its long-term support of WAIS as official with the progress of the Institute’s athletes and programs. As a result We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Pro Choice Safety supplier of sports drinks and beverages. In particular, the provision of of this the amount of media coverage of the Institute’s athletes, The three aspects of the expanded program are: on board as a program sponsor with the sailing program. The support of Powerade products to the athletes has assisted with their training and coaches and staff continues to move in a pleasing upwards direction, • Primary school visits Rob Bird and his team at Pro Choice have enabled coach Belinda Stowell recovery regimes. with stories in key outlets The West Australian, The Sunday Times and • Sporting club visits to continue to make impressive progress with her talented group of PerthNow, ABC Radio, WAToday and Channels 2, 7, 9 and 10 on a much • WAIS Tours sailors. WAIS looks forward to continuing this budding partnership well Kea Designer Sportswear has continued its long-standing relationship more regular basis. into the future. as apparel supplier. Kea continues to work with WAIS to deliver apparel Each part of the program sees athletes sharing aspects of their journey suitable to the demanding requirements of athletes and staff. from budding young athletes to world class performers, hopefully The Carbine Club have long been supporters of sport in Western inspiring the next generation to strive to follow a similar path whilst Australia and we are proud that they have decided to continue their WAIS is grateful to all its retiring, existing and new partners for their importantly focusing on the importance of eating healthy and being association with WAIS via The Carbine Club International Scholarship valuable contribution. The support of our partners plays a vital role in active in everyday life. Fund. the journey the athletes follow to international success. 17 schools and seven sporting clubs were visited in the first year of the It would be remiss to not also acknowledge the support of Healthway, Public Relations expanded program, together with the delivery of an impressive 46 tours through The Cancer Council and the Go for 2 & 5 message, who as As per 2007/08, the WAIS Public Relations Department has continued of the WAIS facility to school and sporting groups. corporate sponsors and partners in the Go for 2&5 WAIS Community to directed its focus in the past year to actively promoting the Development Program have enabled this initiative to flourish. achievements of the Institute’s athletes, coaches and staff to the wider The group of athletes that have been trained to deliver the program has community. expanded to include athletes from a diverse range of sports including Partners, sponsors and suppliers for the 2008/2009 period are detailed BMX, tae kwon do, athletics, water polo and equestrian as well as below. Media coverage of the Institute was a regular fixture during the 2008/09 previous presenters from sports including swimming, netball, hockey period, with the Olympic and Paralympic Games ensuring that WAIS and canoeing. Principal Partner athletes and coaches were recognized across print, radio, television The Government of Western Australia provides unwavering support to and online publicity. The good relationship between WAIS and the WA Outside the Go for 2&5 WAIS Community Development Program WAIS WAIS and allows the Institute to achieve its purpose of assisting Olympic Council assisted this process in the lead up to and after the athletes have again been involved in appearances for a number of Western Australian athletes achieve excellence in their sporting Beijing Olympics. The building of key relationships within the WA media charities including Telethon and the Make a Difference Foundation, as pursuits. We thank the WA Government for its continued support of the over the past 12 months has been crucial is ensuring that this progress Wally foreman Foundation radiothon with 2008 OlympiANS well as other sporting organisations such as the , elite sporting system in WA. continues into the new Olympiad. Casey Dellacqua, Emma Knox and Kobie McGurk Fremantle Dockers and the Western Force. 2008/2009 yearbook and annual report 64

WAIS would like to thank:

Principal Partner

Strategic Partners

Corporate Sponsors

Program Sponsors

Community Development International Scholarship Athlete Career & Education Athlete Career & Education Program Fund

Sailing Men’s Water Polo

Supplier/Provider

Sports Drinks & Beverages IT Services Sportswear

Training Centre Status

Venue Supporters