Australia is set to embark on its largest talent search ever next month in a bid to discover athletes who will represent the country at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) made the announcement on September 10, unveiling the “Future Green and Gold” program aimed at identifying young talents and placing them on elite sporting pathways.
“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for individuals who could one day represent Australia on the global stage,” said Annette Eastwood from the AIS. “We’re looking for a wide range of skills, so I encourage all Australians who qualify and have Olympic or Paralympic dreams to come forward.”
The search will focus on Australians aged 13 to 23 for the Olympic team, while anyone aged 13 and above will be considered for the Paralympic program. No prior sporting experience is required, and even athletes from non-Olympic or Paralympic sports are encouraged to apply.
Australia has a proud Olympic history, having finished third in the medal standings with 13 golds when it first hosted the Games in Melbourne in 1956. The country improved to fourth place with 16 gold medals when Sydney hosted in 2000. More recently, Australia enjoyed its most successful Summer Games ever at Paris 2024, where its athletes secured 18 golds and a total of 53 medals.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) welcomed the launch of the “Future Green and Gold” campaign. AOC CEO Matt Carroll stated, “The success of the host country’s team is critical to the success of any home Games. Many Olympians began their sporting journeys in different disciplines before finding and excelling in their Olympic passion. Following our team’s success in Paris, many young Australians will be inspired to pursue their own Olympic dreams at Brisbane 2032.”
The initiative promises to open doors for a new generation of Australian athletes, ensuring the country continues its tradition of excellence at the Olympics and Paralympics on home soil in Brisbane.
