Minister for Sport Mark Arbib last Friday acknowledged Australian Sports Commission acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Fricker’s tremendous contribution to Australian sport.

“Peter is a highly-respected figure in Australian and international sporting circles and has dedicated 30 years to fostering our best athletes,” Senator Arbib said.

Professor Fricker, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1993, and the Australian Sports Medal in 2001, has resigned his position.

“Peter came to the Australian Institute of Sport in 1981 as a consulting medical officer and progressed to be head of the Sports Medicine program and then to coordinator of Sports Science and Sports Medicine,” Senator Arbib said.

“As Assistant Director of the AIS, Peter managed areas including the National Talent Identification and Development program, the sport science program, athlete career and education, national elite sports research program and special projects.

“He has been Director of the Australian Institute of Sport since May 2005 and has played a critical role in working with both our Olympic and Paralympic sports and our National Sporting Organisations.”

Professor Fricker has advised he will take up a position overseas.

“Peter has worked tirelessly to support our elite athletes and has served the Institute and Australian sport with great distinction,” Senator Arbib said.

“On behalf of the Government and the Australian sporting community I wish Peter and his wife Robyn every success in their new adventure.”