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17 March 2004

ACT Senator Gary Humphries, representing the Federal Minister for the Arts and Sport Senator Rod Kemp, today launched a new joint national high performance program for triathlon called 'Target 2006'.

The new program is a joint initiative between the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Triathlon Australia (TA) and Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA). It changes the focus of the current AIS Triathlon Program away from the development of Under-23 athletes towards the likely representatives for Australia at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games and 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Some of Australia's best triathletes such as Simon Thompson, Peter Robertson, Emma Carney and Nicole Hackett will join the new program and train under the guidance of former world champion Jackie Gallagher.

The 'Target 2006' national program will enable better use of expertise and resources to prepare Australia's triathletes for major elite level international competition.

AIS Director Michael Scott says the rationale behind the decision was simple.

'It makes more sense for our efforts to be synchronised rather than operating independently,' Mr Scott said.

'Increased cooperation and sharing of resources is the key to being more competitive in today's international sporting environment.'

'The AIS is recognised as one of the world's premier elite athlete training institutions and we're very happy to be combining programs with TA for a better outcome for Australian triathletes.'

AIS triathlon coach Jackie Gallagher is excited about being in charge of the new program, which she says will greatly benefit Australian triathlon.

'The AIS Triathlon Program, which began in 2001 has been tremendously successful producing nine medals at World Championships - five of them gold plus an Elite Worlds Team title for Australia,' Gallagher said.

'This new 'Target 2006' program aims to take us to a new level in terms of supporting athletes to hopefully win medals in Melbourne and then Beijing.'

'I am so excited about the line up of talent that will be joining the new program. It has a good mix of current and former World Champions, from Junior to Under-23 and Elite level.

ACGA Chief Executive Officer, Perry Crosswhite welcomed the direct involvement of the AIS with TA's 'Target 2006' program aimed at preparing Australia's best triathletes for the competition in Melbourne at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

'We are now just under two years from the Games and this program will ensure our athletes have every chance of success in front of their family and friends,' Crosswhite said.

Triathlon Australia CEO David Burt says the new program builds on existing strengths.

'This arrangement will allow us to formalise the synergies that already exist between the two very successful programs and establish one dedicated to more aggressively pursuing excellence in triathlon.'

'We're thankful for the significant $75,000 annual contribution that the ACGA is making to the 'Target 2006 Program, which will assist greatly to the success of the program.

A full list of new AIS scholarship holders is attached.

Contact: David Packwood, AIS Media and Public Relations, 0408 417894 or (02) 62141476 or Ian Hanson, Media Manager, Triathlon Australia 0407 385160 or Perry Crosswhite - ACGA (02) 93262784.

Felicity Abram (AIS/QAS) - Current World Junior Championships

Nicole Hackett (AIS/NSWIS) - Former World Championships (Senior and Junior)

Pip Taylor (AIS/NSWIS) - World Cup winner in 2003

Nikki Egyed (AIS/QAS) - Current Under-23 World Champion

Mirinda Carfrae (AIS/QAS) - Two time Under-23 runner up in 2002/03

Emma Carney (AIS/VIS) - Former two time World Champion

Annabel Luxford (AIS/QAS) - Three time top 8 in Under-23 / World Juniors

Simon Thompson (AIS/ACTAS) - 2004 Olympic Team Member

Brad Kahlefeldt (AIS/NSWIS) - Former Under-23 World Champ in 2002

Peter Robertson (AIS/NSWIS) - Two time World Champ, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Team Member

Levi Maxwell (AIS/QAS) - Outstanding young talent and former multiple Australian Junior Representative

David Dellow (AIS/QAS) - Fifth Under-23 TWC in 2002. Strong, consistent athlete

Nick Hornman - 2003 World Under-23 runner-up

Chris Hill (AIS/QAS) - Multiple World Cup winner and Australian Team Member, 1995 World Junior Champion

Australian Sports Commission, Leverrier Cres, Bruce ACT 2617PO Box 176, Belconnen ACT 2616Telephone: +61 02 6214 1111Facsimile: +61 02 6251 2680
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