Vale Prof John Bloomfield AO
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is mourning the passing of Professor John Bloomfield AO, one of the driving forces behind the foundation of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
06 October 2022
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is mourning the passing of Professor John Bloomfield AO, one of the driving forces behind the foundation of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said Professor Bloomfield helped shaped modern sport in Australia.
“More than four decades ago, the dream of the AIS was sparked by a White Paper prepared by Professor Bloomfield. He continued to help the organisation evolve, including driving the merger of the AIS with the Australian Sports Commission during his time as AIS Chair in the 1980s.
“This system, which Professor Bloomfield was instrumental in creating, has played an enormous role in supporting and elevating sport in Australia, from the grassroots to the highest level.
“Professor Bloomfield also leaves an outstanding legacy in sports science through his passion for a more scientific approach to training, technique and injury prevention.
“On behalf of the ASC, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Professor Bloomfield’s family and friends and acknowledge huis tremendous service to Australian sport.”
Professor Bloomfield played an influential role in the establishment of the AIS.
Background
Professor Bloomfield played an influential role in the establishment of the AIS after preparing a White Paper on the development of sport in Australia commissioned by the Australian Government in 1972.
In 1980 he was appointed Deputy Chair of the newly established AIS and later in 1985 became the Chair, where he helped manage the merger of the AIS and the ASC.
In 1989 Professor Bloomfield was recognised as a Life Member of the AIS.
He was inducted as a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2007 and his professional biography can be found here, opens in a new tab.
