The Australian Institute of Sport is calling for expressions of interest in the 2023 Athlete Accelerate Program which supports retired women athletes who are pursuing career options in the sports sector.

Supported through the Office for Women, the program has a career and personal development focus and provides opportunities to acquire knowledge, skills, and tools to navigate a professional career in sport.

The program has supported 41 athletes from 21 sports since launching in 2021, including world champion bowler Karen Murphy who recently transitioned to the role of Bowls Australia's National Pathways Manager and National Assistant Coach.

“It was great hearing from some of Australia’s leading sportswomen and realising everyone has their challenges and now being able to call them friends,” said Murphy who was part of the inaugural program in 2021.

“I learnt more about myself because of the Accelerate Program, where I am now, what is my next self and then future self.

“I would absolutely encourage other women to apply for this program. It gave me a sense of direction and understanding of who I now want to be both professionally and as a leader in women’s sport.”

Track cycling great Anna Meares, who was recently announced as the Australian Olympic Team’s Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, encourages all retired women athletes who are seeking to expand their opportunities for a career in sport.

“The Accelerate program gave me the confidence to put myself out there, to create opportunities for myself, and provided a self-awareness and an ability to apply myself in a different world with the same tenacity and dedication I learnt through my sporting career,” said Meares, a 2022 participant.

“It helped me see that I am not alone, connecting with others and sharing experiences while learning was powerful. Provided strong perspective and appreciation for myself and the women in the program with me.”

The program will be delivered through a mixture of in-person residential workshops, online learning and one-on-one career practitioner support, and will be tailored to meet the needs of the successful group applicants.

Expressions of interest for the 2023 program close 19 February.

https://www.ais.gov.au/career-and-education/ais-athlete-accelerate-program