Athletics for all | How athletics became the nation’s sport of choice

Across parks, on city streets, out on trails, and on tracks around the country, Australians are embracing athletics in all its forms like never before.

With rapid growth in both formal and casual forms, participation in athletics is booming, reaching record levels.

The latest release of the Australian Sports Commission’s AusPlay Data – a survey that measures participation in sport and physical activity at a population level - shows that more than 4.11 million Australians participate in athletics.

“It’s easy to see how much the sport has changed at the elite level with such fantastic results in Paris, but it’s phenomenal to watch the sport make its way into the everyday lives of more than 4 million Australians,” Athletics Australia CEO Simon Hollingsworth said.

“We can see it in school yards and local communities all the way through to the Sydney Marathon and other running events – the sport is shaping a culture where everyone from newcomers to seasoned runners feel its draw and it’s wonderful to see so many people enjoy the social, physical and mental health benefits that athletics has to offer.”

The growth of athletics is also reflected in more traditional participation models, with 250,000 Australians connecting to the sport through the programs delivered by Athletics Australia, its Member Associations and clubs – a number that is rapidly growing.

This includes a record membership figure of 46,747, marking the first time membership has exceeded 40,000 athletes, as well more than 5,500 accredited coaches and almost 1000 officials demonstrating the exceptional trend that has been building over the last 25 years.

“The growth in athletics, particularly within the traditional realm of clubs and track has been incredible. It’s a testament to the long-standing appeal of the sport and our commitment to fostering community connections,” Hollingsworth said.

“We’ve had a 200% increase in athlete membership since 2000 and more than 13% over the last year. It comes at a time when participation in many sports has stagnated or is in decline, and it’s fantastic to see tangible success through the range of opportunities delivered by Athletics Australia, its Member Associations and clubs.”

While membership numbers are strong and consistently trending higher, one of the biggest sparks igniting the passion is found in the recreational running boom. Fuelled in part by social run clubs, Parkrun and mass participation events like the Sydney Marathon, Australians are lacing up in record numbers. Of the 4.11 million Australian children and adults participating in athletics, some 3.65 million of these participate in running.

The Sydney Marathon is a testament to the growth and interest in running with 25,000 signing up to the iconic event in 2024, having grown from 1,200 finishers in its first year, and resulting in the event becoming the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major. Other city marathons and running events are experiencing similar levels of growth.

For the younger crowd, a number of initiatives are providing a range of opportunities to get involved in the sport. Through Athletics Australia’s Sporting Schools program, more than 142,850 school students had the chance to try their hand at athletics over the last 12 months. With 924 programs stretching across the country, schoolyards have been a hive of activity.

Beyond the school gates, Next Athletics is inspiring kids aged 3-12, with the brand new initiative, launched earlier this year, blending the basics of athletics with a welcoming approach focussed on fun, skill development, and self-discovery. All about creating positive first experiences, Next Athletics, currently available in Western Australia, Victoria, and South Australia, creates an environment for children to play, learn, and grow.

Programs like Active Bands add to the rich landscape, offering family friendly, flexible ways to get moving. More than 16 million minutes of activity have been logged by young Australians through the app-based initiative.

“To see kids getting active in positive and supportive environments and experiencing the joy of athletics as they learn and develop new skills is just fantastic,” Athletics Australia General Manager – Growth and Development, Adam Bishop said.

“Creating and supporting positive experiences is so important at every life stage, but particularly for children. With Sporting Schools, Next Athletics, and Active Bands, we’re aiming to create opportunities that, in addition to our traditional competition-based programs, create an environment where every child and family can have a place in athletics,” Bishop said.

Athletics Australia’s work has also seen a 128% increase in para athletes provisionally classified, with more than 750 classified across the country in the last year alone, while programs such as Rio Tinto’s Athletics For The Outback has reached over 10,000 individuals across 68 locations in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland highlighting that athletics can connect communities in meaningful ways, creating opportunities for participation in rural and remote areas.

The milestones and innovations highlight the big strides that Athletics Australia and its Member Associations are making to grow the sport for everyone.

“We’re here to show that athletics isn’t just for the traditional athlete. We want to inspire Australians to discover the athlete within – one stride, one jump, one throw or one roll at a time.

“The sport is truly thriving and we’re looking forward to seeing the next steps as participation rides the wave of this new golden era.” Hollingsworth said.