Record number of First Nations athletes appointed as national ambassadors
Australian sport is set to welcome a wave of First Nations trailblazers after a record number of athletes were today appointed as national ambassadors.
Australian sport is set to welcome a wave of First Nations trailblazers after a record number of athletes were today appointed as national ambassadors.
Now in its sixth year, the AIS Share a Yarn Program is the only initiative in Australia which connects First Nations athletes from all high performance sports.
Athletes are paired with well-known mentors who help them navigate life as a First Nations athlete and become advocates in sport.
It is part of the broader Win Well commitment to enhance meaningful connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, histories, communities, and cultures.
Rising Paralympic track star Telaya Blacksmith is among 25 athletes to be named. The Warlpiri teenager was Australia’s 16th known Indigenous Paralympian to compete.
“Being from a remote community I know how difficult it can be to find a pathway to compete on the world stage,” Blacksmith said.
“I recently returned from a trip back home and could see the impact that my achievements had on my community.”
An experience 17-year-old swimmer Jackson Anderson can relate to.
“Swimming has given me incredible opportunities, but I also recognise that not all Indigenous athletes have the same access or support,” Anderson said.
“I want to be part of the change, helping to create more inclusive and welcoming environments for Indigenous swimmers.”
A strong focus of the program is helping athletes strengthen their cultural identity - a major drawcard for twins Isabella and Jasmine Guthrie who compete in athletics.
“A few years ago our mother was diagnosed with Leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant,” Isabelle Guthrie shared.
“As a result, we went on a journey that led my family to recently finding out about our Indigenous heritage. Consequently, we have been trying to fill the gap and learn as much as we can about our family's heritage and culture.”
Marissa Williamson Pohlman who became the first Aboriginal woman boxer to compete at the Olympics in 2024 is among twelve returning athletes. She said sport has been her lifeline and this program offers a space to share those highs and lows.
“I started boxing at 17 as a way to navigate life in the foster care system, training at a gym for at-risk youth in Melbourne’s western suburbs,” Pohlman shared.
“Mainstream sport can be challenging, but having the unwavering support of mob keeps me grounded and focused on my goals.
All 34 athletes and mentors will come together for a cultural connection camp held at the AIS campus in October.
For netball prodigy Aaleya Turner, the opportunity to yarn with fellow Indigenous athletes is priceless.
“Being part of a safe cultural space where I can share my story and learn from the experiences of others is truly invaluable,” Turner said.
This initiative is underpinned by Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy. Connection to Country Action Plan.
More information about the program can be found here: Share a Yarn | Australian Institute of Sport
2025 athlete ambassadors:
Aaleya Turner, Netball
Amanda Reid, Para cycling and Snowboarding
Bianca Crisp, Swimming
Calab Law, Athletics
Emily Watts, Cycling
Grayson Doig, Swimming
Isabella Guthrie, Athletics
Jackson Anderson, Swimming
Jackson Rowe, Athletics
Jasmin Guthrie, Athletics
Kali-Yah Taafili Taoso, Water Polo
Kylie Lavis (née Whitehead), Bowls
Lakara Stallan, Athletics
Leihani Zoric, Surfing
Marissa Williamson Pohlman, Boxing
Reese Orcher, Rugby Sevens
Rhani Hagan, Rugby Sevens
Ruby Storm, Para Swimming
Sarah-Jane Haywood, Archery
Scarlet Jauncey, Netball
Tay-Leiha Clark, Athletics
Telaya Blacksmith, Para Athletics
Thewbelle Philp, Athletics
Tomysha Clark, Athletics
Tyler Eleise Puzicha, Cycling
2025 mentors
Ben Austin, Para Swimming
Bo de la Cruz, Touch Football, Rugby Union, League and AFL
Clarence McCarthy-Grogan, Wheelchair Basketball
Jacara Egan, AFL
Kyle Vander Kuyp, Athletics
Mariah Williams, Hockey
Tahlia Taylor-Kickett, Football
Tanisha Williams, Multiple Sports
Tyrone Glenbar, AFL