The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) celebrated its 30th birthday on 26 January this year. Minister for Sport Mark Arbib recognised the AIS's role as Australia's most prestigious and well-recognised sporting institution last month.

The AIS was officially opened on Australia Day in 1981 and has proven itself a world leader in its field.

'The achievements of the AIS during the past three decades have spearheaded much of the success Australian sport has enjoyed during this period,' Senator Arbib said.

'Since its foundation in 1981, the AIS has provided world-class facilities and expert support to thousands of our elite athletes and has produced countless world, Olympic and Paralympic champions.

'As we approach the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games the Government is proud to support the AIS as the centrepiece of our elite sporting program.'

Some of the highlights of the past 30 years have been the AIS's first individual gold medal won at the Olympics or Paralympics in 1988, by Paralympian Russell Short; the opening of the Recovery and Swimming Centre in 2006; and the construction of the Hub – home to many of the institute's renowned sports science and sports medicine programs – in 2007.

Director of the AIS, Professor Peter Fricker, said the 30th anniversary was an important milestone for the Institute, a major division of the Australian Sports Commission.

'The past 30 years has seen a lot change within the AIS, but the role of producing world-class athletes has always remained consistent,' Professor Fricker said. 'We have prided ourselves on striving to be the best in the world, but also providing the best facilities and support for our athletes.'

Senator Arbib praised the work of Professor Fricker and the AIS team.

'Peter Fricker has played a major role in sport in this country as team doctor and medical director of Australian teams at five Olympic Games and six Commonwealth Games and in the past five years as the head of the AIS. I thank him for his ongoing service to sport,' Senator Arbib said.

Five-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Alicia Coutts said the AIS has given her the support, guidance and confidence to compete against and beat the world's best.

'The facilities and support staff at the AIS are the best in the world,' Coutts said. 'To reach our maximum performance levels requires a lot of hard work, and without these superb conditions our results wouldn't be possible.

'The history and aura of the AIS has continued to grow since it began, and as an athlete you have to pinch yourself sometimes to think that you are part of it.'