Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Director Professor Peter Fricker OAM has been honoured for distinguished service to the Australasian College of Sports Physicians (ACSP) and to sports medicine with a prestigious award presented at the ACSP Annual Scientific Conference, held in Queensland from 16 to 21 October 2009.

The ACSP award acknowledges excellence in Professor Fricker’s work as a leading practitioner in Australian sport and exercise medicine. It is a major accolade for Professor Fricker, given that the award has been bestowed only seven times in the 24-year history of the ACSP.

Professor Fricker is well known for his significant role as team doctor and medical director of Australian teams at five Olympic Games and six Commonwealth Games. He was appointed AIS Director in 2005.

For over 25 years, Professor Fricker has conducted groundbreaking work in key areas of sports science and sports medicine, including sports injuries, exercise and immunology, and genetics in sport. He has focused on research that supports and enhances the performance and success of Australian athletes and teams.

Founded in 1985, the ACSP is the professional peak body that represents sports physicians in both Australia and New Zealand, and is committed to excellence in the practice of medicine across all fields of physical activity. It conducts an annual scientific conference, produces a scientific journal and is involved in both training and assessment of sports physicians.

In 2007, as president of the ACSP, Professor Fricker played a key role in the college being officially recognised in Australia as a specialist institution in sport and exercise medicine.

The ACSP conducts the only specialist-level clinical training program in sport and exercise medicine in Australasia. The training program culminates in the award of a fellowship in Sport and Exercise Medicine and the title of Fellow of the Australasian College of Sports Physicians (FACSP).

The Australian Institute of Sport is a world leader and innovator in key areas of sports science and sports medicine. The Institute is renowned for conducting innovative and cutting-edge sports science and medicine practice and research and technology development, built on almost three decades of the quality work of its staff.