Many of Western Australia's elite athletes have now returned to training in preparation for next year's Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Following strict protocols in accordance with current government guidelines, the first phase of the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS)'s return to operation is now in place with elite swimmers resuming training at HBF Stadium yesterday thanks to the strong support of venue operator VenuesWest and the Western Australian Government.
WAIS has received an exemption from the Closure and Restriction (Limit the Spread) Directions (No. 2) made under the Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA).
The first phase will see the return of the most elite athletes from swimming, athletics, water polo, wheelchair basketball and artistic swimming to swimming training and one on one training for athletics and wheelchair basketball.
Outdoor training in rowing, canoe and sailing is also resuming.
All activities will be strictly controlled and be conducted within all COVID-19 Government guidelines.
Athletes and staff will be required to complete an online education program and before each session will also be required to complete a questionnaire and have their body temperature recorded.
There will be an increase in cleaning, no physical interaction between athletes or sharing of equipment and social distancing protocols will be in place.
The Institute's resumption is consistent with the recently released National Return to Sport Principles and Framework for Rebooting Sport.
Commenting on the return to training, Western Australian Sport and Recreation Minister, Mick Murray stated “we want to see all sport back up and running and this is another small step in that direction, but we all need to continue to do the right thing so we can take further positive steps."
VenuesWest Chief Executive, David Etherton added “this is such wonderful news for our athletes, high performance sport and a number of our high-performance venues.
"VenuesWest is excited to welcome back a number of WAIS athletes and Olympic squad swimmers to commence training at WAIS High Performance Service Centre, HBF Stadium and WA Athletics Stadium this week, the first of many steps back to recovery.
"VenuesWest prides itself on championing the dreams of our athletes by promoting high performance sport and facilitating pathways to sporting success such as the Tokyo Games."
High performance swimmers in South Australia have also returned to training, with their peers in Queensland, NSW and Victoria looking to follow.
The restart of elite swimming will follow the Australian Institute of Sport’s recently released Australian Institute of Sport's Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environmentguidance and in accordance with each state’s own decisions.
The AIS has made it clear in its communication with all sporting organisations that any “decisions regarding the timing of resumption of sporting activity must be in close consultation with Federal, State/Territory and Local Public Health Authorities. The priority at all times must be to preserve public health, minimising the risk of community transmission.”
High Performance swimming programs and community pools have been closed since 23rd March with swimmers rolling staying active in backyard pools, in the ocean and in creeks while using social media for strength and conditioning and yoga sessions under the direction of their respective coaches.
Images: Elite swimming at HBF Stadium (top) and HBF Stadium from the air (below). Images courtesy of VenuesWest.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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