Recent Alumni News

Read the most recent news about VIS Alumni.

Mack Horton | Swimming great announces retirement

January 23, 2024

VIS celebrates and reflects on the significant career of Mack Horton and his contribution to swimming in Victoria, both in and out of the pool.

The Bond of Brotherhood and Taekwondo | Tom and Will Afonczenko

December 7, 2023

Brothers Tom and Will Afonczenko competed with and against each other throughout their taekwondo careers. Following their recent decisions to retire, the former VIS athletes reflect upon their sporting journeys and muse on life beyond the mat.

From Interns and Athletes to Professionals

October 23, 2023

Life at the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) begins differently for everyone, but the high-performance atmosphere and the wealth of opportunities it provides often leave an indelible mark on those who walk through its doors.

VIS Open Day Wrap Up

September 21, 2023

Over 1000 people poured through the doors of the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) at Lakeside Stadium on September 20, marking a successful return for the institute's first open day in over four years.

VIS is 'Here to Hear' this RU OK? Day, and everyday

September 14, 2023

The 2023 theme for RU OK? Day is ‘I’m here to hear’, which serves as an opportunity for all of us to be active listeners and offer genuine support to those around us. The VIS, as an organisation, is here to hear for staff and athletes, every day, not just on R U OK? Day.

Kelly Cartwright | Open Day Ambassador

September 11, 2023

Dual Paralympian and VIS alumni, Kelly Cartwright, joins the ambassadorial team for the upcoming VIS Open Day on Wednesday 20 September.

Collis Birmingham | A Dual Career in Fatherhood and Coaching

September 1, 2023

Father’s Day is a time to appreciate and celebrate fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as to acknowledge the importance of fathers and father figures in our lives. VIS/AA National Generation 2032 Coach, Collis Birmingham, balances his professional career with parenthood.

VIS alumni Barbieri recognised for contribution to Australian Football

July 17, 2023

Victorian Institute of Sport alumni (2002-2012) and Matildas trailblazer Melissa Barbieri to be recognised for her incredible contribution to Australian football by the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA).

Fear of the unknown: Mitch Gourley

May 20, 2022

As one door closes for long-term Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) scholarship holder Mitch Gourley who announced his retirement from an alpine skiing earlier this year, another door has opened.

The VIS celebrates National Careers Week

May 16, 2022

Since its inception the Victorian Institute of Sport has been a leader in career development and personal excellence and is justifiably proud of its scholarship holders who have not only succeeded in sport, but also in life.

International Day of Yoga: Lydia Lassila

June 21, 2021

Victorian Institute of Sport Alumni Lydia Lassila spent most of her life as an elite athlete and credits one thing that helped prolong her career in sport as well as live a better life, Yoga.

Expression of interest to join our VIS Alumni

June 19, 2021

Continuing the athletic journey of “Success in Sport and Life”, the VIS Alumni will aim to engage our former athlete and staff community. To connect, to support each other, and to pay it forward - guided by our VIS values of Excellence, Courage, Community, Simplicity, Success and Passion.

Behind every athlete at Athens, there's a support team

August 27, 2020

VIS Sport Scientist and Shooting Australia Sports Medicine Coordinator at the time, Nick Sanders, was part of the support group which went to Athens with the Olympic Shooting team in 2004.

A master of her disciplines: Lauren Burns

August 19, 2020

Lauren Burns created history in Sydney 2000 when she became Taekwondo’s first Olympic Gold medallist.

When Matthews got told to sprint

August 14, 2020

Born without a left arm or left lung, Tim Matthews never felt he had a disability, reaching for the stars he went onto become a triple Paralympic gold medallist.

Never write off Champions: The Oarsome Foursome story

August 7, 2020

The ‘Oarsome Foursome’ showed the world that you can never write off champions at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Through the highs and lows of Australian rowing, the ‘Oarsome Foursome’ proved that champions will always find a way to succeed.

Russell Mark’s success on and off target

August 5, 2020

With his incredible results and likeable personality Russell Mark paved the way for Victoria’s talented group of shooting athletes today and put shooting on the map in Australia.

Remembering the 1992 Olympics through Hockey legend Jay Stacy

July 31, 2020

Our final chapter of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics will be a reflection with Hockey legend Jay Stacy, one of the best players Australia has ever produced.