New horizons
Science and technologychanging the game
Australia has long been seen as a global leader in sport. 74 Despite having a population of just over 26 million, Australia has been in the top ten on the medal tally of Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games since Sydney 2000, and in many games before then.
Our global reputation in this sector can be linked to several factors including support for sport at all levels from Australian governments, and a strong high-performance system led by the Australian Institute of Sport [AIS].
Over the next decade the world will look to Australia as we approach the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Much of the success of Australian high-performance sports teams to date can be attributed to advances in sports science and medicine, coaching, organisation, and ongoing investment in the potential of Australia’s elite athletes.
New technologies and advances in areas of technical expertise that support the enhancement of performance (including but not limited to human physiology, nutrition, psychology, genetics, engineering and materials science) are now changing the game in sports. A better understanding of the individual and biological diversity of athletes is leading to an individualised approach to performance support across a range of technical direction disciplines, from coaching to sports medicine and training. Training programs tailored to the individual, resulting from the work of multi-disciplinary teams, can optimise sports performance, assist with injury prevention, enhance physical and mental recovery, and maximise the well-being and long-term psychological benefits of sport. The adoption of new and emerging technologies will support this individualised approach but comes with issues to be negotiated around ethical implementation and privacy protections.
The global sport technology and innovation market continues to see significant growth. Australia will host a significant number of international sporting events over the next decade, and this will provide our science, technology, health, education and manufacturing sectors with an opportunity to invest in sport innovation and showcase and export their know-how and products to the world.
Science and technology changing the game
- Individualised athlete-centred performance support Personalised training supported with new technologies, sports science and well-being programs.
- Digital technologies and new ways of thinking Advances in computer science and AI providing new insights on sport and human performance.
- Emerging ethical issues in high-performance sports science Data privacy and ownership rights, transhumanism, genetic testing and cutting-edge performance innovation.
