The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) today announced that Michael Flynn will join the AIS and Triathlon Australia in the new role of National High Performance Director from February 2009.

Flynn was the High Performance Manager for Cycling Australia at both the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games where Australia won 16 medals (7 gold) in cycling.

Since the 2004 Athens Olympics Flynn has been working with Bike New Zealand and the International Cycling Union in Switzerland.

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker said Flynn’s arrival at the AIS continued the Institute’s tradition of pursuing excellence.

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

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

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

Triathlon Australia CEO Andrew Hamilton welcomed the appointment of Flynn.

‘We are looking forward to Michael leading our program as we build towards the 2012 Games in London.’

The Australian triathlon team won one gold and one bronze 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.

Contact: David Packwood, AIS Media Officer Tel (02) 62141476 or Mob 0408 417894 or Jeremy Wilshire, Communications Manager Triathlon Australia Tel (02) 99727999 or Mob 0427 374636       .

* The AIS is a major division of the Australian Sports Commission.