News
Mitcham Joins AIS Thrive with Pride Program
Published Tue 01 Feb 2022
Olympic Gold Medallist, Matthew Mitcham, is among 14 athletes from 10 sports who today have been announced as ambassadors for the inaugural AIS Thrive with Pride Program.
The program, through its ambassadors and engagement with inclusion bodies Pride in Sport and Proud 2 Play, aims to provide safe and inclusive sporting environments for all athletes to thrive.
Mitcham says that living his true self was a springboard to success in the pool.
“Growing up gay and not feeling confident enough to be my authentic self within my training environment as a teenager prevented me from really bringing my full self to training,” Mitcham said.
“Finding myself in a squad where I felt comfortable enough to be myself had the most profound effect on my self-esteem and allowed me to be fully present like never before.
“This was a catalyst that took me from retired to Olympic Champion in 15 months before the Beijing Olympic Games, which is why I am so passionate about creating open, inclusive environments to nurture optimum performance.”
Thrive with Pride Ambassadors
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Matthew Mitcham, Diving Rowie Webster, Water polo Nikki Ayers, Rowing Alexandra Viney, Rowing Kerrie Rosemond (nee Meares), Cycling Gracie Elvin, Cycling Maria Strong, Athletics |
Katerina Paul, Snow Heath Thorpe, Gymnastics Noemie Fox, Paddle Sharni Williams, Rugby Sevens Dominic Clarke, Gymnastics Katrina Bateman, Rowing Katarina Kowplos, Shooting |
