Since 1990, we have been supporting Victoria’s elite athletes, as they pursue success in sport and life. Whilst we won’t be able to enjoy the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, we will take this opportunity to celebrate and remember some of the amazing moments from the 30 years of VIS history.
Rio 2016
Golden child
Prior to Rio the VIS contacted many of the athletes’ families to find out who would be at the Games and who would be staying home. We knew that if a son or daughter had Olympic success there could be media mayhem.
Tripps long journey
One of the most poignant photos to emerge from the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics featured hand cyclist Stuart Tripp.
Our Golden Role
Victorian Institute of Sport staff members and coaches weren’t as surprised as the rest of the nation when Mack Horton won 400m freestyle gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016, as they knew it had been many years in the making.
London 2012
Bravo London, Bravo
After what was hailed one of the greatest Paralympic Games ever, Dylan Alcott, Leanna Del Toso and Carol Cooke spoke about their 2012 London experiences.
Kelly Cartwright: A dream fulfilled
Paralympic star Kelly Cartwright broke the world record on her way to claiming gold in the F42/44 long jump with a leap of 4.38m at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. She added silver in the F42/44 100m shortly after.
I may have broken my Olympic bronze medal!
Many will remember the moment Kim Brennan won Australia's first ever women's single scull medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. But here's what you didn't know!
Beijing 2008
Rowing’s Hour of Power
Saturday, 16 August 2008 will be remembered by the VIS and rowers nationwide as one of the most successful days in Australian Olympic history.
VIS in Beijing
The Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games was one for the ages, Victorian Institute of Sport athletes provided some spine tingling and wonderful moments.
Athens 2004
The performance of our Olympic and Paralympic teams in Athens was exceptional.
Cath Arlove: Lessons in sport, life and the Olympic journey
Triple Olympian Catherine Arlove was able to successfully juggle her work, study and sport commitments throughout her journey.
Paralympians an inspiration to us all!
Before Kieran Ault-Connell and Russell Short went to Paralympic Games in Athens 2004, a Grade 6 student from Moorabbin Primary School wrote a letter to the Victorian Institute of Sport.
Behind every athlete at Athens, there's a support team
VIS Sport Scientist and 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
Sydney 2000
A master of her disciplines
Lauren Burns created history in Sydney 2000 when she became Taekwondo’s first Olympic Gold medallist.
When Matthews got told to sprint...
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.
The Games at home
The 2000 Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games were special for so many reasons. We had high expectations that our athletes would deliver on home soil, and they sure did.
Atlanta 1996
Never write off Champions
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.
Success on and off target
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.
Our Second Games
The sporting focus of 1996 was clearly on the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Atlanta. Following the great achievements in Barcelona we were optimistic that our athletes could do even better this time.
Barcelona 1992
1992 - This was the year of our first Olympic and Paralympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
Remembering the 1992 Olympics: Jay Stacy
A four-time Olympian representing Australia in a record 321 games, captaining his country on several occasions and receiving some of the highest accolades in hockey, Jay Stacy was a player of a generation.
Doing it the hard way
At just 11 months old polio caused Brian McNicholl to lose the use of his legs. But, he didn’t want to let this deter him, and instead realised that his arms would need to become his legs.
Peace & Harmony
People of all nations, colours, races, live in harmony, respecting one another, laughing and crying together, all in the pursuit of excellence.
