Australian high performance (HP) sport continues to lead the world in wellbeing, with a new survey established to help athletes, coaches and staff Win Well in both sport and life. The National Wellbeing Survey, led by the Australian Institute of Sport as part of the Win Well Strategy, will track, measure and improve wellbeing across all HP sport.
With wellbeing critical to sustained success, the survey will capture meaningful data about how athletes, coaches and staff experience wellbeing in their HP environments and inform continuous improvement across sporting organisations and the HP system as a whole.
The South Australian Institute of Sport (SASI) took part in a pilot version of the survey in September. Of the 173 individuals (57 per cent of staff) who completed the survey, the coaching staff fully embraced the initiative, recording 100 percent completion, while 66 per cent of staff and 47 per cent of athletes recorded their findings.
SASI Director Keren Faulkner is hoping the rest of the system embraces the survey, saying the findings will play a huge role in Australian sport continuing to be word’s best in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
“One of the important aspects of Win Well is actually winning and pursuing excellence and this survey is about pursuing excellence in the way that we manage wellbeing,” Faulkner said.
“We’re really excited that Australia is the first nation to work towards this sort of survey, and I think it’s not only going to be a very important step in the way that we support the wellbeing of Australian athletes, but it is also going to give us a significant advantage when it comes to performing at the world level.”
One of the SASI athletes who completed the survey was kayaker Aiden Carberry, who said the 5 to 10 minutes needed to complete the survey will have a massive return for the system.
“Others should definitely take part in the survey. Even if you feel your training environment is perfect it could help other people,” Carberry said.
“I believe the survey contributes to a win well mindset by getting input from the athletes on how we can better improve our training environments making them healthier more successful more comfortable and just a better environment.”
While all feedback will remain confidential, individuals will be able to download a summary of their survey responses upon completion. The full findings will be shared early next year.
National Wellbeing Survey:
When is it open: The National Wellbeing Survey will be open from 3 – 23 November 2025.
Where can you find it: The survey will be distributed via email directly to participants by the Australian Sports Commission.
Who should complete it: categorised athletes, coaches and staff within the high performance system. Responses are anonymous and confidential.
How long is it: 30 questions (around 5-10 minutes)
Why it matters: While not compulsory, your feedback will help shape how wellbeing is supported in sport nationally.
Need support? Reach out to the AIS Sport Wellbeing and Engagement team: wellbeingandengagement@ausport.gov.au
