The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) today announced that Andrew Matheson will join the AIS and Rowing Australia in the new role of National High Performance Director from November.

Matheson was a member of the New Zealand coxed four rowing team, which won a silver medal at the 1995 world championships.

Matheson has spent the past six years as Rowing New Zealand’s high performance manager whereby the Kiwi’s have enjoyed a golden period in rowing.

Kiwi rowers won gold and two bronze medals at the Beijing Olympics, whilst at last year’s world championships in Munich their medal haul included three-gold and two silver.

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker said Matheson’s arrival at the AIS will continue the Institute’s tradition of pursuing excellence.

‘Andrew will bring a wealth of knowledge and new concepts to the AIS/National rowing program,’ Professor Fricker said.

‘He is perfectly placed to assist Australia’s talented rowing athletes achieve further success on the world sporting stage.’

‘The new position of a National High Performance Director takes Australian rowing into a new era. It will enable better integration and coordination of resources under unified leadership.’

Rowing Australia CEO, Andrew Dee welcomed Matheson.

‘We are looking forward to Andrew Matheson leading our program as we build towards the 2012 Games in London, particularly after his successes in enhancing the national structure of New Zealand rowing.’

The Australian rowing team won two-gold and one silver medal at the Beijing Olympics.

The Australian Sports Commission, on behalf of the Australian Government, invests in and supports our Olympians and Paralympians in many ways.  In the current financial year, over $70 million has been allocated to support sports on the Summer Olympic and Paralympic programs and their high performance athletes.

In addition to the $18+ million annually the Commission allocates to the AIS scholarship programs in these sports, significant funds are provided for sports science, sports medicine and other support services for our high performance athletes.  As well, the Commission provides direct funding totalling around $4 million each year to some 400 athletes to support their preparation for sporting success.

Contacts:
David Packwood, AIS Media Officer (02) 62141476 or 0408 417894.

* The AIS is a major division of the Australian Sports Commission, contributing to Australia’s sporting success for over 25 years.