Athletics is woven into the very fabric of Australia’s sporting DNA. From the dusty tracks of the 19th century to the dazzling stages of the more recent Olympic and Paralympic Games, it has been a constant presence, embodying the essence of competition and human potential.
Since 1896, Australia has sent athletes to every Olympics, with our first gold medallist Edwin Flack, paving the way for generations to come. In 2024, it was Nina Kennedy’s awe-inspiring pole vault in Paris that once again brought athletics to the forefront, helping Australia set a record for the most medals won at a single Games.
The legends of our past— Edwin Flack, Betty Cuthbert, Shirly Strickland, Marlene Matthews, Herb Elliott and John Landy —are immortalised in the archives of Australian sport. Their spirit endures, carried forward by modern icons like Raylene Boyle, Rob de Castella, Steve Moneghetti, Louise Sauvage, Kurt Fearnley, Sally Pearson, and Steve Hooker.
Today, a new generation is writing their own stories: Nina Kennedy, Madison de Rozario, Nicola Olyslagers, James Turner, Matthew Denny, Jessica Hull, and Vanessa Low to name a few. And then there is Catherine Freeman—a name that transcends sport itself, symbolising the heart and soul of Australian athletics.
Athletics isn’t just a sport; it’s a universal language. It is the most-watched sport at the Olympics, captivating global audiences. Here in Australia, it holds a special place.
Ask anyone their favourite Olympic event, and athletics invariably rises to the top. Brisbane 2032 will see stadiums filled morning, noon, and night, as Australians clamour to witness the world's best. Those lucky enough to have seen a world-class athletics event know that it’s not just about competition; it’s about being a part of something bigger.
Yet, athletics is more than just an elite pursuit—it’s one of the most accessible sports in the world. It’s the foundation of movement, something we’ve all experienced. Whether it was a school sports day, a park run, or a fun run, most Australians have felt the thrill of running, jumping, or throwing.
Athletics invites everyone in—no stopwatch needed, no track required. It’s about the joy of movement, the rhythm of the body in motion, and the unparalleled benefits to physical and mental well-being.
When you think of athletics, it’s easy to picture world-class athletes chasing personal bests, but we want you to see more:
Athletics, as a sport and a brand, needs rejuvenation.
What was once our greatest asset has become underutilised, limiting commercial potential and dampening performance. Now is the time to reimagine our future.
As we look forward, Australian Athletics will be a name that speaks to every Australian—whether they are Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls or simply enjoying a morning run. Our brand will embody inclusivity, aspiration, and a global outlook, staying true to the high-performance core of our sport while embracing the broader community of 8.5 million everyday walkers, runners, and fans.
The transition to Australian Athletics marks the start of a new journey. One where we unite the elite and the everyday, inspire future generations, and remind Australians that athletics is for everyone—whether on the world stage or in their local park. Together, we will create a brand that truly reflects the spirit of our sport and the limitless possibilities it holds.
Central to the rebrand is a bold and dynamic logo, designed to reflect the energy, inclusivity and progression that defines Australian athletics. The logo’s elements weave together the sport’s diverse disciplines while honouring its past and looking to the future.
Key features of the design include:
Together, these elements tell the story of a sport with a deep heritage but with its eyes firmly on the future.
Australian Athletics is the national governing body for the sport of athletics in Australia and is the only organisation recognised as such by World Athletics, the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, Commonwealth Games Australia and the Australian Sports Commission.
Together with our State and Territory-based Member Associations, we are charged with ensuring the encouragement, pathway and promotion of athletics in Australia and acting in the best interests of the sport of athletics across the full spectrum of ages and levels – from children through to masters athletes and from participation through to high performance.
Australian Athletics is also charged with ensuring adequate representation of Australia in athletics at the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Paralympic Games and other international meetings.
Based at Athletics House in the Melbourne suburb of Albert Park, Australian Athletics is a not-for-profit organisation.
Our vision: Inspiring, empowering and supporting the athlete inside of everyone.
