New Throws Centre of Excellence primed for medals

A new high-tech, high-performance complex at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) is priming Queensland stars of discus, shot put, javelin, hammer throw and decathlon for international medal success.

The Palaszczuk Government, Queensland Academy of Sport and Athletics Australia (through the AIS Infrastructure Grant) invested $1.85 million and $850,000, respectively in the National Throws Centre of Excellence, which formally opened this week.

Construction of the Queensland Academy of Sport’s (QAS) carbon neutral National Throws Centre of Excellence supported 74 Queensland jobs.

Sport Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement Stirling Hinchliffe said the centre’s focus was medals for Queensland throwing athletes.

“Medal-winning throws and years of training expertise are built into the Centre of Excellence with athletes and coaches involved in the building’s all-weather design,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The centre includes cutting-edge diagnostics that capture and analyse technique in real-time to help athletes and coaches develop winning throws.

“With three dedicated areas for multiple throws disciplines and indoor training, this centre gives athletes the space they need to be their best.

“As a high-performance Centre of Excellence, this is Queensland’s elite training hub for throws medals at next years’ Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, and beyond.

“Having the National Throws Centre in Brisbane gives Queensland athletes the competitive advantage on our green and gold runway to the Brisbane 2032 Games.

“And it’s set to accelerate the QAS’ search and development of the next generation of home-grown, podium ready throws athletes for 2032.

“The National Throws Centre adds to the growing line-up of world-class QAS infrastructure to give emerging and elite Queensland athletes the training they need to take on the world.

“This is also the first carbon neutral QAS facility and part of Queensland’s commitment to delivering the world’s first climate positive Games in 2032.”

QSAC Manager Graeme Clark said most of the building featured Queensland-sourced timber and the majority of concrete used was carbon neutral.

“The use of semi-translucent roofing and cladding helps to cool the building and eliminates the need for artificial lighting during daytime training,” he said.

Athletics Australia’s Andrew Faichney said the National Throws Centre would help fast-track Australian success on the world stage.

"Australians have long been successful in throwing events on the world stage and we have no doubt that the opening of the National Throws Centre signifies the beginning of something great as we look ahead to the Victoria 2026 and Brisbane 203 Games," Faichney said.

"The facility is truly world class, with the likes of world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Matt Denny already using it. None of this would be possible without the support of the QAS, Queensland Government and the AIS, through their AIS Infrustructure Grant and we are excited to see how this facility gives the next generation of throwers a significant boost in their pursuit of excellence."

QAS CEO Chelsea Warr said the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Stadiums Queensland had also supported the QAS on the high-performance centre’s delivery.

“This excellent partnership ensures our athletes are best prepared to take on the world, and inspire our next generation of 2032 champions,” Ms Warr said.

“As we look towards Paris, LA and of course Brisbane 2032, it is critical that we provide high-tech, world-class, high-performance environments for athletes to train including physical facilities and expert performance support staff.”

Two-time World Javelin Champion, Commonwealth gold medallist and Olympic medallist Kelsey-Lee Barber, Olympic discus thrower and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Matt Denny and Olympic decathlon bronze medallist Ash Moloney are among the QAS-supported Queensland throws athletes now training at the National Throws Centre.

“The facility is world-class and gives me the perfect environment to continue to train towards more World Championship and Olympic gold,” Ms Barber said.

“I hope we can continue to build a strong culture of success in throws events through to Brisbane 2032 and beyond."

By the Queensland Government, QAS and Athletics Australia
Posted: 3/11/2023