Victorian Institute of Sport

Introducing the new VIS Diving bathers ✨

Designed in collaboration with First Nations artist our new bathers celebrate culture, community and Country.

Each element tells a story, from the Central Meeting Place on Bunurong / Boon Wurrong land, to the Song Lines guiding our First Nations Strategy, to the Golden Dotted Paths representing the two-way flow of knowledge at the VIS.

Proud to wear more than just a uniform. 💙🧡

👉 Click the link in our bio to read more

On Friday the VIS held their second ever yarning circle, ahead of 2026 National Reconciliation Week. ☀️

A great opportunity for all to come together and discuss the theme of 'All In'. This year we welcomed many new faces to the yarn such as VIS alumni Catherine Freeman and CEO of Trimob, Nat Heath as well as welcoming back past attendees.

We would like to say a big NYATNE (THANKS) to all the attended and we appreciate the open discussion that we all engaged in and acknowledge the voice we all have within our roles to lead reconciliation. 🫶

The VIS Para Sport Unit does more than support Para athletes. It builds the pathways that bring them in.

Earlier this month, the Unit brought together over 60 allied health practitioners from across the industry to Lakeside for the VIS Para Sport Allied Health Forum. The afternoon was about one thing: how to help more people find their way into Para sport.

Guests heard from athletes within the system including Hannah McDougal PLY, who has competed across Para triathlon, Para swimming and Para cycling.

The next generation of Paralympic athletes is looking ahead to and , and the VIS Para Sport Unit is making sure more of them find their way, empowering the green and gold runway. 👏

Australian Institute of Sport | Australian Paralympic Team

National Careers Week at VIS 👏
 
This week, VIS athletes and staff took part in a range of sessions exploring the pathways, opportunities, and people behind high performance sport beyond competition.
 
From our “Ask VIS staff about their jobs” morning tea, to the Beyond Year 12: 2026 Elite Sport Education Network event, and sessions on becoming a Teacher or Inclusion Aide, athletes had the chance to learn more about the careers that shape sport and the opportunities available beyond the field of play.
 
High performance is about more than what happens in training and competition. It’s also about building knowledge, experience, and confidence for life.

In recognition of National Careers Week, Imogen Barnett, VIS HR Administrator, had the opportunity to reflect more deeply on her own career journey - one that has been shaped by the constant navigation between elite sport and building a professional identity outside of it.

For many athletes, success on the field is only one part of a much broader story, yet balancing the demands of sport alongside study, work, and long-term career planning can often feel overwhelming.

"Through conversations with Aimie Rocci (professional basketballer, now VIS Performance Lifestyle Adviser) and Joel Wood (professional footballer, now VIS Physical Preparation Coach), I came to realise that my experience is far from unique. Many athletes face the challenge of trying to excel in multiple spaces at once, while also managing the expectations that come with being defined primarily by sport.

"Although this article originally aimed to explore the practical juggle that exists within elite sport, it quickly became clear that the deeper issue is often one of identity.

"Who are we beyond our sporting achievements, and can we successfully build lives that extend beyond the game while still competing at the highest level?"

👉 Click the link to read Imogen's powerful reflection now: https://vis.org.au/national-careers-week-more-than-just-an-athlete/

"Do not over engineer! Stick to the basics and listen to your gut."

Advice from a Paralympic medallist - Michal Burian. And wise words to follow after a 2025 calf injury threatened to rule out Michal for 2026. The Para javelin thrower could have left this year in limbo, but instead identified that discus throw is on the Commonwealth Games roster for his classification, and so began a new goal.

Now the 33-year-old from Czech Republic is about to make his Commonwealth Games debut for Australia at !

Click the link to learn more about Michal via his athlete profile: https://vis.org.au/athletes/michal-burian/

From hands-on experience to life-changing opportunities. 👏

VIS internships are shaping the next generation of careers beyond the podium. 💼✨

This National Careers Week, we highlight the internships which often go unnoticed in the sporting landscape. Those behind the camera, behind the website typing up athlete stories. Those within the VIS People and Community Team.

Click the link to read how these experiences are making a real impact: https://vis.org.au/beyond-the-podium-how-vis-internships-are-shaping-future-careers/https://vis.org.au/beyond-the-podium-how-vis-internships-are-shaping-future-careers/

Ready for round two in

Congratulations to VIS scholarship athlete who has been names on the 2026 Commonwealth Games Para swimming team.

After claiming gold at the Commonwealth Games, Col is back for more, and will be looking to defend his title in the Men's 100m Butterfly S10.

This Mother’s Day, we're taking a moment to celebrate our athlete mums.

Every journey into parenthood looks different, and at the VIS, we’re passionate about supporting our athletes through all of it - from pregnancy to postnatal recovery, and returning to competition - whatever that journey looks like for them.

Elite sport and parenthood can co-exist, as shown by VIS long jumper Brooke Buschkuehl and VIS boxer Caity Parker. The early mornings don’t stop, the mental load doesn’t lighten, but the love for family grows stronger and the drive for sport continues to thrive.

Happy Mother’s Day to Brooke, Caity, and every athlete mum. We also acknowledge and celebrate all mother figures, carers, and those who hold this day close in different ways within our community. 🤍