Australia’s medal hopes at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been given a vital boost, with the Australian Government committing an extra $20 million to support athletes attend critical qualification events.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund will assist national sporting organisations to deliver key high performance initiatives that will significantly enhance medal potential and improve the performance of Australian athletes in Paris.

Minister for Sport, The Hon Anika Wells, was joined by Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM, Olympian Anabelle Smith (diving) and Diving Australia Gen2032 Coach Lily Foster, in Adelaide this morning to make the announcement.

Diving Australia CEO Alex Newton said the funding will give our Australian divers a boost, on the eve of one year to go until the Paris Olympic Games.

“We welcome the news today from the Australian Government of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund, and thank them for their investment into Australian High Performance Sport,” Newton said.

“Two quota places secured, and two medals at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Japan just demonstrates the importance of international competition for our Aussie divers.

“With just 12 months to go until the Paris Olympic Games, this funding will give our Aussie divers the best chance to prepare for success at next year’s Games,” she said.

The Games, Minister Wells said the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund was a timely investment in our athletes.

“Our Olympic and Paralympic sports have been telling us that getting their athletes to key preparation and qualification events has been a challenge and we’ve listened,” Minister Wells said.

“Through the Australian Sports Commission, we’re proud to be able to invest further in our athletes that inspire millions of Australians when they represent us on the world stage.

“It is the ultimate honour to represent your country and now more Australians will have more chances to become Olympic medallists.

“I’m proud the Albanese Government can assist our hard-working athletes to live their Olympic dreams.”

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Fund will be delivered in two streams, with Stream One providing a direct one-off grant payment to 32 eligible sports through a total investment pool of $15.223 million.

Mr Perkins said the Fund would enable sports to ensure the crucial final 12 months before the Games count.

“Our athletes make extraordinary sacrifices to be ready physically, mentally and emotionally to proudly represent Australia every four years on the world’s biggest sporting stage, the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Perkins said.

“Sport hasn’t been immune from the rising cost of living pressures we are all facing. I would like to thank the Australian Government and Minister Wells for acknowledging this and allowing the Australian Sports Commission to allocate extra funds to our Olympic and Paralympic sports.

“The majority of Australians believe our Olympians and Paralympians are the best role models, especially for kids, and a source of inspiration. I am proud to work with the Government to ensure our athletes have the best platform to achieve their best in Paris.”