South Australian Sports Institute Talent Search program returns for 2024

The South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) is aiming to discover potential world class athletes who could compete at the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games through its 2032 Talent Search program.

The returning program assesses athletes’ physical, anthropometrical and physiological characteristics in order to identify whether they have the capacity to compete at elite levels.

The tests conducted range from generic fitness testing, to sport specific tests across sports that SASI works with.

All results are reviewed by the SASI coaches and those with outstanding results will be invited to take the next step in a high-performance development pathway.

This year testing has been expanded and for the first time will include the potential to be identified for diving.

Tests will take place for the following ages and sports:

• Ages 8-12 testing for diving

• Ages 13-17 testing for cycling, rowing, kayaking, beach volleyball, shooting, and archery

• Ages 18-19 testing for rowing

Talent Search sessions will be held during the upcoming school holidays on Monday 15th April and Monday 22nd April at the Netball SA Stadium (Mile End).

Speaking about what it takes to make an Olympic/Paralympic champion, SASI Manager for Sports and Programs Simon Cain explained that preparations are already well underway for the upcoming Games on Australian soil.

Cain stated “athletes who represent Australia at an Olympic/Paralympic level have typically spent between 7-10 years in a sport development pathway before emerging as a senior international athlete.

“Given the Brisbane 2032 Olympics/Paralympics are less than 10 years away, we are currently in the process of identifying and developing talented athletes to ensure that South Australia is able to produce medal winning athletes at these events.”

Previous Olympic athletes discovered through SASI Talent Search include Maeve Plouffe, Annette Edmondson, Alex Porter, Cat McArthur, Olympia Aldersey and Becchara Palmer.

Click here for more information on the SASI Talent Search program.