Olympic medallist and World Champion Matt Targett
PINNACLE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT APRIL 2012 | Autumn EDITION | ISSUE 86
ANNE MARIE HARRISON CEO VICTORIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT
HUGH DELAHUNTY MP Minister for Sport and Recreation
The final countdown….we are within sight of the London
My parliamentary colleague and Minister for Major Projects,
Olympics and Paralympics. For so many of our athletes this
Dr Denis Napthine and I recently had the pleasure of officially
is the culmination of years of training and preparation, for
opening the new home of the Victorian Institute of Sport at
others it is the start of their Olympic or Paralympic journey, for
Lakeside Stadium. We look forward to reaping the benefits of
a rare few it is a return to the mountain they have climbed
this world class venue in the years to come and congratulate
and conquered and for others the disappointment of being
all involved with the project.
so close is still ringing in their ears.
our support of the VIS as well as ongoing investment in state
opening of our new facility at Lakeside Stadium. A facility
sporting associations to assist in growing sport participation.
that has seen athletes “vote with their feet” in terms of support
This investment is truly paying off, with 404 athletes receiving
and usage and has also been well received by coaches,
VIS services, female athlete representation at 49 per cent and
service providers and staff. Minister for Sport & Recreation,
representation of athletes with a disability at 13 per cent.
the Hon Hugh Delahunty and Minister for Major Projects, the Hon Denis Napthine joined our many partners, sponsors, past and current athletes, the Board and staff in celebrating this further milestone for the Victorian Institute of Sport. A live cross during the Channel 10 news also gave us exposure to the Victorian community. This next couple of months is critical in fine tuning our athletes to enable them to compete at their very best in July, August and September. Not to be forgotten, however, are the Melbourne Vixens who are looking to bounce back after a couple of disappointing seasons and a very long break in the domestic season, to reclaim their place amongst the top two Australian teams in the ANZ Championships. Our Winter Sport athletes have just come off a European and North America season which has seen some very promising developments
We look forward to the London Games with optimism as last year 67 percent of our athletes were on national teams or squads, supported by 78 percent of VIS coaches at the national level. These are great results for Victoria and proof that our hard work and investment are paying dividends. Well done to our VIS Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have secured their spots on the Australian Team so far, including boxer Ibrahim Balla, K1 men’s canoeist Warwick Draper, Carmen Marton in taekwondo, swimmers Matt Targett and Matson Lawson, synchronised swimmer Tarren Otte, table tennis player Miao Miao and Paralympic table tennis players Melissa Tapper and Rebecca McDonnell and wheelchair rugby players Nazim Erdem, Jason Lees, Andrew Harrison, Greg Smith and Josh Hose.
ahead of Sochi in 2014 with Mitch Gourley (VIS/AIS) ranked
On behalf of the Victorian Government I wish all athletes,
third in the world in Paralympic alpine skiing and aerial skiers
coaches and support staff on the path to London 2012 all the
Laura Peel (VIS/AIS) ranked four in the world and Danielle
best.
Scott (VIS/AIS) named the World Cup Rookie of the Year. Golfer Kieran Pratt had his break through maiden Asian Tour win in the Zaykabar Myanmar Open. If the start of the year is a reflection of what is to come, then we have a great year ahead of us. May the road ahead be paved with success and satisfaction by all for a job well done.
3
On top of this brilliant new facility, we are proud to continue
It is fitting therefore that we kicked off this year with the official
Welcome
Rest assured you will have all of Victoria cheering for you.
contents... 3.
Welcome
5.
Rowing
6. Swimming 9. Canoeing 10. Track & Field 12. What It Takes 13. Social Media 15. The Institute
Welcome 4
rowers ready to repeat beijing feat? Saturday, 16 August 2008 will be
Crawshay will attempt to defend his
fourth last year but will be boosted by
remembered by the VIS and rowers
Olympic title while Karsten Forsterling
the inclusion of two VIS athletes,Pippa
nationwide as one of the most
will be aiming to add to his World
Savage and Pauline Frasca.
successful days in Australian Olympic
Championship title in the Men’s Quad
history. The medal haul of two gold
Scull. Drew Ginn and Josh Dunkley-
and one silver at Shunyi Park Beijing,
Smith will be joined by fellow VIS athlete
lasted only one hour, but its impact
Will Lockwood and James Chapman
is undeniable; that hour transformed
(NSWIS) in a new look Men’s Four aiming
the Olympic campaign for the VIS, for
to emulate the deeds of the Oarsome
Australia, and inspired thousands of
Foursome of years gone by and bring
emerging rowers across the country.
back gold!
The question on everyone’s lips is, are the rowers ready to repeat their unbelievable Beijing feat?
better than her World Championship silver in the Women’s Double Scull and
Rowing Team doesn’t end with the athletes, as coaches Chris O’Brien and Bill Tait will also be in green and gold, with Chris coaching the Men’s Coxless Four and Bill looking after the Women’s Coxless Pair. The VIS presence in the team is almost certain to be further boosted as five rowers contest seats in the Men’s Pair, including scholarship holders James
Following the National Olympic
likewise the women’s pair of Sarah Tait
Selection Trials, Rowing Australia has
and Kate Hornsey will hope to improve
nominated the bulk of its team for
on their bronze from last year’s World
Following extensive trialling a
submission to the AOC. The VIS is very
Championships.
Women’s Eight has also been
proud of the efforts of our rowers with 14 athletes named in the 33 confirmed seats in nine qualified boats – which represents an impressive 42% of the team as it currently stands! In the Men’s Double Scull David
Kate Hornsey and Sarah Tait
5
Kim Crow will be looking to go one
The amazing VIS input to the Australian
ROWING
After their fourth placing last year the Men’s Eight will be targeting a medal in London; VIS athletes on board are Cam McKenzie-McHarg, Francis Hegerty, Josh Booth and Tom Swann. The Women’s Quad was also a close
Marburg and Tom Larkins.
named to contest the Olympic Qualification Regatta in late May in a bid to qualify the boat for the London Games. VIS athletes involved in this boat are Phoebe Stanley, Robyn Selby Smith and cox Lizzie Patrick.
london awaits matson lawson VIS swimmer Matson Lawson has flown
What were your first thoughts when you
Is there any one person who has
under the radar to book his seat on the
realised you’d made the team?
helped you more than anyone else in
plane to the London Olympics following
When I finished and looked up at the
the last few years?
his stunning performance at the
board, it was a relief to know all the
There are too many people to mention,
Australian Swimming Championships
hard work and training had paid off; but
but to name just one person it would
in Adelaide. The 19 year old from the
there was also some disappointment
have to be Josh Beaver. If it wasn’t for
Mornington Peninsula stormed home in
to know that my training partner and
him training next to me, I wouldn’t be on
the 200m backstroke to finish second
fellow VIS athlete, Josh Beaver, would
that plane to London.
in 1:58.53, shaving almost two seconds
not be joining me at the Games.
off his personal best time! Lawson’s place earned him an Olympic berth in the event. His selection to the Olympic Team is Lawson’s first Australian team representation - junior or senior - a remarkable achievement. His reaction:
Have you set any goals for London?
What’s your program between now
No, not yet. It is still something I have to
and London?
think about and discuss with my coach.
My program between now and London consists of 18 long weeks of hard training at my home pool – and that’s it! I’m not planning to take any fancy trips, I will just be slogging it out at home.
What are you expecting at the Games? I have no idea what to expect! I have never even been on an Australian team before, so at this point, all I can say is – it’s going to be an amazing experience!
It’s going to be an amazing experience!
on La ws n o s Ma t
120402-PA-VIS Pinnacle 1/2 Page.indd 1
5/04/12 2:58 PM SWIMMING
6
meet matt targett Olympic medallist and reigning 4x100m
European competition. I like the way
Any London goals you’d like to put on
freestyle World Champion Matt Targett
I’m swimming, and I’m happy I’ve
the table at this stage?
has made his second Olympic Team
stayed out of the physio’s office and the
The Olympics is like no other event and
and will swim in the much hyped men’s
doctor’s office and I hope it stays that
I’m really looking forward to London,
4x100m freestyle relay team in London.
way leading into the Games!
however, it’s a bit too early to put any
Matt zeroes in on his Olympic target below:
Matson Lawson also made the team, however he’s never been on any Aussie
What were your first thoughts when you
team - what advice would you offer him
realised you’d made the relay team?
about the Olympics?
I was relieved when I found out that I
I was lucky enough to sit by Matson
had made it, knowing that all my hard
for both of our flights to and from the
work and training had paid off. I was
Olympic orientation camp, so I have
also taken aback by the standard to
already managed to share a lot of
actually make the team.
advice with him. His very first race, the
What’s your program between now and London? I will most likely head to the northern hemisphere to do some training with and racing against some fast international swimmers. I am also
goals on the table. I’m eager to see the US Olympic trials in June, the selections there will help to give me a better idea of what to expect at the Games.
200m backstroke heats, will be prime time in Australia so I’m sure he will enjoy knowing that millions of Aussies will be watching and supporting his effort. I trust that he will represent Victoria and Australia well.
planning to compete in a US and
Ma t t
7
SWIMMING
Ta rge t
t
synchronised swimming otte’s last splash The lure of competing in the London Olympic Games was just too much for Tarren Otte, who announced her retirement after narrowly missing a medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. The VIS athlete decided that she did not want to miss out on London and managed to successfully secure her place on the Australian synchronised swimming team. ‘I did retire after Delhi and had a year off but I have lived in the sport for so long and I love all the girls so I thought I can do one more,’ Otte said. ‘We finished seventh in Beijing and we would love to finish seventh or better in London. We have a very talented squad but there is a lot of hard work involved.’ Also in the team are Otte’s Beijing teammates Tamika Domrow and Samantha Reid, while making their Olympic debut will be Olga Burtaev, Jenny-Lyn Anderson, Bianca Hammett and Francesca Owen.
against all odds
Ta rre n
O t te
His smile lit up the Olympic and Paralympic swimming trials in Adelaide as much as his performance lit up the pool after VIS swimming sensation Ahmed Kelly qualified for a place on the Australian Paralympic swim team. Ahmed, 20, has earned a priority two selection in the 50m breaststroke, continuing one of the most moving sports stories imaginable. As a baby, Ahmed was abandoned in an Iraqi orphanage with severely deformed arms and legs, and only a slight chance of survival. He was rescued by Moira Kelly and her Children First Foundation and brought to Australia for surgery and a new life. Ahmed said, ‘Australia has given me a new opportunity to live life to the max.’ Ahmed’s journey to Paralympic qualification has been over four years of hard training with swimming coach Brad Harris. ‘It is everything I have worked for and it is something I have always wanted to do - thank you to everyone in Australia for everything they have done for me.’ Ms Kelly burst into tears of excitement at her son’s achievement; ‘I still can’t believe he has done it. I feel so proud, and all Victorians should feel so proud because he is there to represent us,’ she said. ‘It is a way to show that anyone can achieve their dreams.’
Ahmed Kelly
SWIMMING 8
interview with warwick draper What’s the best tip you can offer
Warwick Draper is hoping it will be third
in June for World Cups in France and
time lucky in London this year. The 35
Spain and another camp in London.
Olympic debutantes?
year old recently won selection for his
Then I’m off to Slovenia for another
Staying focused on your competition is
third Olympic Games team, in the K1
two week training camp before
great but also take the time to absorb
slalom event, and it’s all about a medal
heading back to London for the
the atmosphere at the Games. It is
this time around. Warwick speaks with
Games in mid-July.
special and can give you a different
Marketing and Community Projects
Have you got any goals for London?
Coordinator, Rick Wall.
After a ninth-place finish in Athens in
What were your first thoughts after
2004, and a fifth placing in Beijing, I’m
realising you’d done enough to make
hoping for a similar improvement this
the team?
time. My sights are set on one thing -
My first emotion was one of absolute
I’m going to London with the goal of
relief; closely followed by excitement for
winning a gold medal.
what lay ahead.
type of energy, especially being part of the Australian team which has such a great, positive vibe that makes you realise that absolutely anything is possible.
Is there any one person who has
What’s your program between now and
helped you more than anyone else
London?
over the last couple of years?
It starts with five weeks of training here in
I have had a really strong relationship
Australia, followed by a two week camp
with my close friend and coach, Robbie
in London to get to know the Olympic
Parker. Robbie has been supporting me
course. Then I have four weeks back in
since 2009.
Australia. After that it’s back to Europe
Wa rw i
ck Dr a per
“With 50 active ingredients, no wonder I feel healthier on Swisse!” James O’Connor Australian Rugby Star
Unique combination of 50 premium quality vitamins, minerals and herbs. Helps support your capacity to cope with stress and maintain your general health and wellbeing. The men’s formula supports male physiology and performance. The women’s formula assists with the relief of premenstrual symptoms. Australia’s top selling multivitamin.* swisse.com *Aztec sales data - MAT 28/08/11. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.
9
CANOEING
CHC: 52130-10/11
Swisse Men’s and Women’s Ultivites
five questions: getting to know kaila mcknight Capturing the true ancient Olympic
Creek for three gruelling weeks. I then
and conditioning, training partners,
principles, track and field athletics is
return home before the Australian
the VIS, Athletics Victoria, Athletics
probably the most popular sport on
National Championships in mid-April,
Australia and finally my friends, family
the Olympic program and the action
followed by some races in early May
and husband. All of these people ride
in London is not going to disappoint:
in Asia. It’s then a hard training block
the journey with you. My family and my
athletics features 2,000 athletes running,
during May and June to finish off my
husband probably feel the ups and
walking, jumping and throwing for gold.
base training before leaving for my
downs more than anyone else and
Could 1500m runner Kaila McKnight
London training base in late June.
without them picking me up during
soon become a national household name as an Olympic hero?
Have you set any goals for London? I want to go into London in the best
the tough times I wouldn’t be going to the Olympic Games in London. I can’t thank them enough for their support,
What were your first thoughts after
training condition of my life. So that is
realising you’d done enough to make
definitely one goal. Then as far as the
the team?
competition goes, like any other, I aim
You haven’t been to an Olympic
Immediately after the race it was just a
to do the best that I can on the day. I
Games previously, so what are you
sense of elation, and then when things
firmly believe that the key to my success
expecting?
started to sink in a few minutes later I
is always in my preparation. So for the
I’ve been lucky enough to represent
really started to get a sense of pride.
moment, I am focusing on reaching all
Australia at a Commonwealth Games
For most people in this sport, it is their
my individual training goals in the lead-
and the World Championships, so I
dream to represent their country at an
up.
have some sense of the pride that I
Olympic Games and now I get that chance. I want to take this chance now and do Australia, my family and friends and myself proud.
Is there one person who has helped you more than anyone else over the last couple of years? Behind every Olympic athlete I’m sure
What’s your program between now
there is an amazing support network
and London?
to get them to where they are. I am no
At the moment (March) I am
different. My support team consists of
completing altitude training at Falls
my coaches, both running and strength
encouragement and help.
know I am going to feel when I get to that start line, but this is the pinnacle of our sport, so I know that there will be so much more to the whole experience as well. I am enjoying the anticipation of what awaits. I can’t stop dreaming of race day at the moment...it’s a huge motivation for my training.
TRACK & FIELD 10
craig mottram going for gold Craig Mottram is an icon of Australia’s track and field team and is considered one of the most competitive middle distance runners globally, in a career spanning over a decade. Craig has booked a spot at his fourth
running on expectation Having performed strongly in Australia in the past few years, 25 year old Jeff Riseley knows the next step in his development is making a real mark at a major global championships. Jeff talks about his road to the London Olympic Games below: What’s your program between now and London? I am currently up at Falls Creek in the Victorian Alpine Region
Olympics, and is close to regaining the form
for a three week altitude training camp. I will then be based in
that made him one of the most feared middle
Europe from June until the Games. I also have a few races in
distance runners in the world. He talks briefly to
Asia in May to break up the training and to make sure I don’t
the VIS’ Rick Wall:
get stale!
Your thoughts after realising you’d made
Have you set any goals for London?
the team?
I have a couple of goals. However after being sick in Beijing
I had a real mix of emotions. A bit of relief, and
and unable to perform to my full potential and being
a huge sense of satisfaction.
extremely disappointed, I want to walk off the track, no
Your program between now and London? I will be based in Australia until the end of May. Then I’m heading to the USA for a training camp until late June. After that I will head to my European base for a few races before the Olympics start in late July.
matter what the result is in London, and feel like I gave it my all and represented myself and my country well. Who has helped you more than anyone in the last couple of years? Nic Bideau my coach and manager has put an enormous amount of time in over these past four years. Also the guys behind the scenes like Andrew Lambart my physio,
Any goals for London? To do my best! I am expecting to just enjoy and compete well.
Garry Miritis my masseur, Andrew Russell my strength and conditioning coach and Peter Fuller my sports doc have been unbelievable in their support. I must also give special
Who has helped you more than anyone over
mention to the VIS and Derek Boothroyd and Marina Mateos
the last few years?
who has been fantastic with her assistance in helping me to
I have had a great team of people who have
manage my study with my training load and constant time
helped and supported me over the last couple
spent abroad. Unfortunately living out in the outer suburbs I
of years – from my family and coach to the VIS
am unable to make full use of the awesome facilities of the
and sponsors, all have played an integral role
VIS, especially the new Lakeside venue.
in my journey.
What are you expecting at the Games? I am expecting London to put on an amazing Olympic Games, however, it is going to be really hard to trump Beijing as they did an incredible job in organising the 2008 Olympics. I am also looking forward to being a part of a great Australian team and seeing some fantastic results.
C raig 11
TRACK & FIELD
Mo t tr om
what it takes to be an olympic athlete In the next few months, the curtain will rise on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For many athletes, the Games will be the pinnacle of their sporting career. It is hard to imagine every detail that goes into an athlete’s preparation for the famed event, but these are some things that come to mind:
know in the lead-up to the Games.
for injury prevention, balance and technique control. The expert VIS physical preparation team tailor individual
ensuring athletes are not distracted by
performance eating plans specifically
the hype. For first-time Olympians and
tailored to meet the athletes’ individual
Paralympians, it is undoubtedly a very
training needs for their sport, taking
daunting scene.
into account their individual body composition and nutrition status as
to the Games, including general health
encouraged to expose themselves
and the immune system, recovery,
to the environment a few days
hydration and competition and travel
before their competition: familiarise
nutrition.
themselves with both the village and
support staff looking after our athletes
balance problems they may have.
to better understand how they can
science and sport-specific coaching staff, the physical preparation team has broadened its approach to athlete management – improved testing, planning and monitoring of the athletes
at the Games, but to still make sure and performance. Athletes are
condition, goals and any injury or
facility. In cooperation with VIS sport
the thrill of representing their country
on specific issues relevant in the lead up
athletes, coaches and other key
technologically advanced, Lakeside
to enjoy all the extra excitement and
the main focus is on competition
depending on their sport, physical
been able to prepare for in the new,
Sport psychologists advise athletes
VIS Dietitians will use this time to focus
The VIS Dietitians will be helping
and Paralympic Games the VIS has
the all-nation athlete village comprising and Paralympic stimuli, half the task is
programs to the needs of each athlete
The London Games are the first Olympic
overseas, the opening ceremony and
Games, VIS Dietitians will design high
ability.
and performance enhancement, but
With the excitement of travelling
just some of the extraordinary Olympic
Almost any Olympic or Paralympic
in sport – not only in terms of strength
your opponent is not the only focus.
Between now and the Olympic
well as food preferences and cooking
conditioning is fundamental to success
Olympic or Paralympic Games, beating
NUTRITION
PREPARATION athlete will agree that strength and
PSYCHOLOGY When it comes to an event like the
recover from one training session and present well fuelled for the next. This means consuming the right amounts and types of carbohydrate and protein immediately after a training session to start the recovery process. In some
their competition venue, try and see another event, complete a training session in their competition gear and chat to some experienced Olympians or Paralympians about how to handle everything. Many athletes will encounter foreign food options, altered sleep arrangements and increased media attention - which can all become a distracting influence.
cases supplements will be required
The key to remaining focused is to
to support recovery and these will be
‘control the controllables’ - maintaining
supplied to the athletes by Gatorade
routine and sticking to a plan when it
and Musashi.
comes to eating and sleeping patterns,
and their training loads. Wherever VIS
These athlete-tailored nutrition and
athletes are in the world, the physical
hydration programs are designed to
preparation team can liaise with
help athletes perform to the best of their
them and assist with their preparation.
ability. The end result? A well fuelled
However, perhaps as a result of the world-
high performing athlete!
family/social time, training and recovery and all the usual pre-competition practices, will ensure the best chance of a successful performance.
class facility and increased resources, more athletes have chosen to prepare in Melbourne and work with the staff they
WHAT IT TAKES 12
social media montage Jess Gallagher: Watching the V8’s scream past as I do my weights @VicInstSport...how good is this!!!
Drew Ginn: So great to see Harry Brennan back at the @VicInstSport that’s great news
Katy Parrish: Watching the #F1 at @VicInstSport with @KelCartwright89! Great view! Good way to end a gym session:)
Marieke Guehrer: A massive thank you also to @VicInstSport for this season and my entire “comeback” campaign. Staff and services are legendary x
Tim Blanchard: Just training @VicInstSport watching @v8supercars. How cool is that!!
Kelsey Brown: training @VicInstSport with this just outside the front door! #specialtreat .look close enough and you’ll see a F1 lockerz
Sean Wroe: @VicInstSport @SeanWroe rollin’ fashions on the field.
Danielle Stefano: Couldn’t be prouder of @erindensham today!! 1st place at Mooloolaba World Cup! Worked hard & well deserved!! Bring on Sydney! @VicInstSport
Ahmed Kelly (Facebook): HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all. Since 2012 is an Olympic/Paralympic year, I hope it brings you all many opportunities, gives you a chance to explore every joy of life and allows you to further embrace your family and friends. What a year it will be and I am already determined and excited! I wish you all a fantastic 2012. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
13
SOCIAL MEDIA
Shane Perkins: @VicInstSport thank you for your never ending support, last night was a testament to your unwavering support in me over the many years!!
Jess Gallagher: Just spoke to some schools with Glenn Singleton (Kayaker) as part of the @VicInstSport schools program. What a fun AND educational day!
Luke Parker: Just won the 2011 Austral WheelRace! Couldn’t be happier. Thanks to @VicInstSport for all their support & everyone for the kind messages.
Geva Mentor (Melbourne Vixens): After hearing the VIS was moving last year I’ve had a twinkle in my eye for the opportunities that having a gym on turn 3/4 of the Melbourne GP would bring...sweet sounds, distractions from programs as I peer out the windows for a great view...gives me goose bumps and a smile from ear to ear feel like a kid in a candy shop! Team McLaren all the way!”
@scottyjames31: Feeling the pain after a hard session at @ VicInstSport this afternoon. No one make me laugh, my stomach hurts too much! #sorecore
olympic facts 1. Did you know that all athletes competed in the nude at the ancient Olympics? 2. In the 1908 and 1912 Games, Australia competed with New Zealand under the
@burna5 That time of year again. @VicInstSport ‘s Aerial Skiers going through their water jumps
@derek_boothroyd Another perfect day here at Lakeside Stadium with @VicInstSport athletes for Day 2 of the National Championships.
name Australasia. 3. Australia has hosted the Summer Olympic Games twice - in 1956 in Melbourne and in 2000 in Sydney. 4. Australia and Greece are the only two nations to have participated at every Summer Olympic Games of the modern era. 5. Edwin Flack was the first athlete to represent Australia at the Olympics - he won gold in both the 800m and the 1500m of the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
@KelCartwright89 My number 1 fan! Lost my medal to him but I don’t mind :) #socute #soproud
6. When London hosts the Olympic Games in 2012, the city will become the first to host the Games three times: 1908, 1948 and 2012. 7. The London Olympic Stadium will have a capacity of 80,000 during the Games - It is
@MatthewTargett Will you put some clothes on for goodness sake! @HeraldSunEye @VicInstSport
the lightest Olympic stadium ever built! 8. The steel used to build the Aquatics centre in London comes from Newport in Wales. 9. The amount of material that had to be excavated to build the Aquatics centre was the equivalent of 160,000 tonnes of soil! 10. L ondon 2012 is the first Summer Games to calculate its complete carbon footprint. 11. The Motto for the London 2012 Olympic Games is ‘Live as one’. 12. Wenlock and Mandeville are the official mascots for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, respectively.
SOCIAL MEDIA 14
START STRONG
PRE-GAME FUEL ENERGY TO EXPLODE FROM THE BLOCKS. 25g of explosive carbohydrates to deliver energy to working muscles. Contains B Vitamins to aid energy metabolism.
GET THE EDGE. www.gatorade.com.au
15
THE INSTITUTE
PEP3215_VIS_PRIME-PERFORM_HPV_66.5x185_1.1.indd 1
13/04/12 3:43 PM
inside the institute Our new facility represents one of
From 1862 the Lake Oval, as it was
The famous Lake Oval was revamped
the best examples of ‘architectural
known to generations of sports fans,
as a soccer facility and hosted a
marriage’ in Australia with buildings
was the home of the South Melbourne
Socceroos match. A rock concert
from different centuries merging in
Cricket Club, which went on to produce
featuring the legendary Australian
a spectacular relationship that is as
nine Australian cricket captains, more
group, Midnight Oil, was also staged at
functional as it is handsome.
than any other club in Australia.
the ground.
From the outside the unassuming
From 1874 the South Melbourne Football
But there were insufficient funds to
1926 red brick grandstand still meets
Club was also based here.
maintain the historic grandstand which
the criteria of its very worthy Heritage Victoria overlay but the inside astounds and captivates the visitor with a tri-level glass fronted modular design concept that opens up onto vistas of the sports facilities and the Albert Park tree line. The grandstand’s original steel supporting pillars remain in situ but rather than being boxed-in, or hidden behind walls, on two levels they’ve been turned into features surrounded by glass flooring.
In 1901 the Lake Oval famously hosted the biggest annual sporting event
Fortunately Melbourne has one of the
quarter of a century later the current
world’s great sporting cultures and a
grandstand was constructed on the site
plan was hatched to not only save the
of an older building which had been
heritage of the precinct but to marry
destroyed by fire.
it up with new training and athletic
The Lake Oval further enhanced its reputation as one of Melbourne’s best
We are justifiably proud of our new home.
September each year to watch night clubs which didn’t make the finals.
grandstand. The precinct itself is rich in Australian sporting culture.
standard.
of fans would flock to the ground in football games featuring the eight VFL
tidily on the north western end of the
facilities that are of an international
football facilities when thousands
gymnasium and pool appear to ‘open track while a new sprung floor hall fits
into abject disrepair.
in Australia - a VFL grand final. A
On the ground floor a modern out’ on to the world class running
faced an uncertain future when it fell
Night lights shone on the Lake Oval from 1956 until 1971 but as the fortunes of the South Melbourne club fell away so did the upkeep of the ground. In 1982 South Melbourne moved north and was reborn as the Sydney Swans.
THE INSTITUTE 16
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
Design by the Adcell Group - www.adcellgroup.com.au
O an
PINNACLE Official Publication of the Victorian Institute of Sport Lakeside Stadium, 33 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park, VIC, Australia P +61 3 9425 0000 | www.vis.org.au ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS | Rick Wall, Ashley Carr, Mandy Passmore, Deirdre Boyd