UQ hosts national sport conferences

The University of Queensland welcomed leading figures from across Australia’s sporting sector this week, hosting national conferences for both Swimming Australia and Australian Athletics at the St Lucia campus. 

From 6 to 8 October, Swimming Australia’s Sport Science and Performance Support Forum brought together over 80 coaches, sport scientists and administrators to explore topics including para sport, athlete pathways, psychology, nutrition and dietetics, preparations for major competitions including the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships.  

The Australian Athletics National Coaching Conference followed from 9 to 11 October, including a dedicated Women in Coaching and Leadership event. There were over 250 coaches, athletes, strength and conditioning professionals and officials that attended the inaugural conference, with sessions and practical activities delivered across UQ sporting facilities, including the gymnasium, athletics track and swimming pool. 

The events provided a great opportunity to strengthen UQ’s collaboration with national sporting organisations and, through presentations from leading academics including Olympic medal-winning coach Professor Cliff Mallett OAM, showcased the University’s sport, health and performance expertise.