New AIS video technology a game-changer for Aussie athletes

Australian athletes around the country have received a boost ahead of this month’s Commonwealth Games thanks to new state-of-the art video technology from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

The AIS Video Optimisation Grants program, supported by the Australian Government and in partnership with Australian company Fulcrum Technology, helps give coaches and athletes real-time feedback as they train.

A total of $1.17million worth of multi-camera video training systems have so far been allocated across 28 high performance training centres spread across every Australian state and territory.

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said: “This is world-class technology delivered simply,” Mr Perkins said. “It’s one thing for a coach to try and explain something to an athlete, but it’s an entirely different ball-game when you can show training vision on a phone or tablet within seconds of it happening. That immediate visual feedback and coaching analysis is where learning and development can really be fast-tracked.

“The data that sports collate from this technology will also have an ongoing impact, providing a library of training vision for deeper analysis and potential advances in artificial intelligence This is a wonderful story of Australian innovation and collaboration, with Government, sport and technology combining to give our athletes the best chance of reaching their potential.”

AIS Director Matti Clements said enhanced technology for coaching and facilities around the country would boost athlete development in a defining era for Australian sport.

“This investment makes world-class video technology more accessible to coaches and developing athletes right around the country and will help to super-charge their development for future success,” Ms Clements said.

“As this technology continues to be installed, it will have long-lasting impact for Australian athletes, including those aspiring to compete at events such as the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria and the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.”

Paddle Australia is in the process of developing a state of the art performance analysis system and is grateful for the support from the AIS Video Optimisation Grants program. A new camera installation will be completed at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, home of the PA High Performance Program – Canoe Slalom.

Paddle Australia National Performance Director Kim Crane said: “Coaches are always looking for ways to be better. Our Slalom Coaches and athletes rely heavily on video technology as opposed to other sensor technology. 

“As such, the implementation of the camera system through the AIS Video Optimisation Grant program means our coaches and athletes will have access to permanently mounted plug-and-play technology which will enable them to have video coverage of the entire course, without needing hand-held cameras which only capture certain sections of the course,”she said. 

With Senior Performance Scientist Mark Osborne’s knowledge and expertise, PA have been looking to find a more efficient use of athlete and coach time, a decreased reliance on staff and students for video analysis, and greater interrogation of footage and analysis of what the athletes do technically on the course, rather than volumes of time spent capturing and handling the footage.

“The past few years have shown an increased appetite for video, and now we will have the technology to streamline our processes and see greater impact from its analysis,” Osborne said.

“The AIS support is invaluable and ensures our daily performance environment is both contemporary and world class,” he said.

Previous articleAussies impress at Canoe Freestyle World Championships
Next articleNew coaching apprenticeships to fast-track next generation