WAIS Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Program Statement

The Western Australian Institute of Sport has advised that from 1 January 2017, it will no longer operate a women’s artistic gymnastics (WAG) program.

This decision was made following a thorough review process that prioritised a WAIS commitment to supporting WA’s contribution to Australia’s international sporting success. This factored amongst other things, national funding allocations and an assessment of the sport’s ability to contribute in the short to medium term, towards future targets.

WAIS is working with Gymnastics Australia (GA) and Gymnastics WA (GWA) to assist in the transition of the elite training program from WAIS to GA.

WAIS is the last Institute in Australia to operate a full women’s artistic gymnastics program.

WAIS will continue to provide direct performance support to athletes currently in the high performance pathway for the 2020 Olympiad, through its Individual Athlete Support Program*

WAIS Executive Director, Mr Steve Lawrence, said it had been a difficult decision to make.

“The decision was taken to ensure WAIS can continue to maximise WA athlete opportunities within the available resources, to represent Australia,” he said.

* The WAIS Individual Athlete Support Program provides services and support to athletes from outside of the dedicated programs operated through WAIS. It includes access to all areas of support through WAIS, outside of coaching services. Currently, athletes from more than 20 Olympic and Paralympic sports are supported through the WAIS Individual Athlete Support Program.