AIS documentary Forging Champions to premiere on Channel 9 and 9Now
The journeys of some of our most beloved sporting heroes are being told like never before, with the premiere of Forging Champions ready to take viewers inside the engine room of Australia’s sporting success from 9.30pm AEDT on Monday, February 2 on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The journeys of some of our most beloved sporting heroes are being told like never before, with the premiere of Forging Champions ready to take viewers inside the engine room of Australia’s sporting success from 9.30pm AEDT on Monday, February 2 on Channel 9 and 9Now.
This all new documentary looks at how the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has sharpened raw talent into world-class excellence for over 40 years.
Featuring interviews with Australia’s biggest names and never-before-seen archival footage, Forging Champions relives our defining sporting moments and explores the role the AIS is playing on the road to Brisbane 2032.
Athletes featured include:
- Lauren Jackson
- Andrew Bogut
- Michael Klim
- Kieren Perkins
- Louise Sauvage
- Anna Meares
- Patrick Johnson
- Liz Ellis
- Shane Watson
- Michael Clarke
- Alisa Camplin
- John Eales and many others.
Made in collaboration with JAM TV, Forging Champions will air on Channel 9 and will be available to stream and watch on demand on 9Now.
“With excitement building for a home Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032, the Australian Sports Commission is embarking on the most significant upgrade to our Australian Institute of Sport campus since its establishment in the 1980s," Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins said.
“This documentary offers a timely opportunity to reflect on where we began, how we have evolved, and where we are heading next.
“Forging Champions honours more than four decades of innovation and sporting excellence through the voices of iconic Australians, while looking ahead to how the AIS will continue to support and inspire the next generation of Australian sporting champions," Perkins added.
JAM TV Chief Content and Development Officer Luke Tunnecliffe said: “The AIS has been an almost mythical like destination for those of us not talented enough to become elite athletes.
“JAM TV has been privileged to produce many sports documentaries over the years and we were beyond excited to be given the opportunity to pull back the curtain on the 40-odd years in Canberra and the incredibly rich stories that have come out of there.
“The AIS has helped shaped so many unforgettable moments and it was fantastic to record many of these untold stories from the athletes that lived on campus before conquering the world in their chosen sport.
“We thank all of the amazing athletes for being so open in their recollections of their time.”
Executive Director 9Network and 9Now, Hamish Turner said with the Winter Olympics and Paralympics about to get underway in Milano Cortina, Forging Champions is set to get Aussies excited ahead of what could be our best Winter Games yet.
“We’re delighted to bring the unique role the AIS plays in Australian sport to life as we continue our journey to Brisbane 2032.”