To our sporting community,
When I stood behind the blocks as an early VIS scholarship athlete, I learned something that stayed with me: excellence isn’t just about performance, it’s about the systems that let you chase ambitious goals and build a life beyond them. That’s the VIS promise we’ve kept for 35 years: empowering athletes to succeed in sport and life, and one I’m proud to drive as CEO.
This mission came alive at Milano Cortina 2026. Seven VIS athletes joined Australia’s largest Winter Olympic contingent ever under VIS alumnus and Chef de Mission Alisa Camplin AM. Scotty James, a VIS athlete for over half his life, claimed silver in snowboarding halfpipe at his fifth Games. Victoria dominated aerials with all Australian representatives VIS scholarship holders: four-time Olympian Danielle Scott soared to silver alongside debutants Abbey Willcox, Airleigh Frigo, Sidney Stephens, and Reilly Flanagan. Dual Olympian Brendan Corey battled to short track speed skating semifinals. These aren’t isolated moments; they’re proof our pathways work, backed by our world-class VIS team.
But here’s what excites me most: the changes we are making in the engine room, powering these results and delivering value for all of Victoria. Sports leaders Sarah Styles and Andrea Pearman joined our board, bringing experience to drive innovation at every level. Professor Ebonie Rio became our inaugural Professor of Research, as we remain one of just 11 global International Olympic Committee Research Centres.
Our refreshed website launched and now delivers an enhanced experience, making it easier for fans, partners, industry professionals, and athletes to find information and connect directly with VIS programs and departments. With modern design, technical upgrades, and integrated accessibility features, the site enables every visitor to engage with the VIS with greater ease and independence. Together with our renewed constitution, it charts the VIS runway to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
That early lesson still shapes me: create environments where athletes’ ambition meets world-class support. I see that potential in every athlete walking through our doors. Our job together is to nurture it.
As the Winter Paralympics begin and Glasgow Commonwealth Games selections intensify, the VIS is building Victorian athletes who dominate on the world stage, succeed in their personal life, staff who pioneer research, and a VIS that inspires communities.
Join us to strengthen pathways from grassroots to greatness, invest in enduring research and world-class Olympic and Paralympic facilities, and unlock every athlete’s potential.
Thank you for championing our athletes. Together, we’ll turn high expectations into a lasting legacy for sport, communities, and Victoria.
Nicole Livingstone AO
Chief Executive Officer
Victorian Institute of Sport
