Concerns Raised Over AIS "Forging Champions" Documentary
Former athletes of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) have expressed concerns regarding an upcoming documentary commissioned by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). The documentary, titled "Forging Champions," explores the 40-year history of the AIS and is scheduled to air on Channel 9.
Athlete Concerns
Former athletes, some of whom report experiencing physical and psychological abuse during their time at the institute, are concerned that the documentary may present an overly positive depiction. They believe this portrayal could be distressing if it does not adequately address past harm. The athletes have not yet viewed the documentary.
Former athletes... are concerned that the documentary may present an overly positive depiction. They believe this portrayal could be distressing if it does not adequately address past harm.
Jenny Richardson, a former AIS gymnast, has communicated with ASC chief executive Kieren Perkins to register her opposition to the documentary's broadcast. Richardson is among several former AIS athletes who received an email from Perkins to pre-warn them about the documentary's release. Perkins' email acknowledged that not all experiences at the AIS were positive and referenced the ASC Board's 2021 apology and Restorative Program.
Another former athlete, identified as "Grace," described Perkins' email as impactful and expressed concerns about the documentary's potential effects. She also requested that the documentary be withheld. Grace stated that abuse at the institute affected both male and female athletes across various sports during the 1980s and 1990s.
ASC Response
In response to inquiries, Perkins stated that the ASC acknowledges past harmful behaviors and remains committed to apology, accountability, and athlete support. He indicated the documentary offers an opportunity to reflect on the AIS's history and evolution. Perkins noted that early communication to former athletes was designed to be trauma-informed, providing forewarning.
The documentary is expected to include a warning before its broadcast. Promotional videos for the documentary have also drawn complaints from athletes and advocacy groups, citing a "do no further harm" principle within the ASC's Restorative Program.
Kieren Perkins affirmed the ASC's willingness to share all aspects of the AIS's journey and stated they do not avoid the fact that some athletes were treated inappropriately.
Restorative Program Funding
Perkins also informed athletes that dedicated funding for the ASC's Restorative Program, which offers payments up to $50,000 and counselling for former scholarship holders who experienced abuse, is scheduled to conclude in December.
However, he stated that the ASC would continue to offer support to affected athletes, with counselling available through the Mental Health Referral Network beyond this date.
Historical Allegations
Previous reports by the ABC have detailed allegations of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse involving gymnasts and women's volleyball players at the AIS. Allegations included:
- Food deprivation
- Bullying
- Training under extreme conditions or while injured
Richardson attributed her 40-year experience with anorexia nervosa to psychological abuse at the AIS, including weight-shaming, forced sauna sessions, and verbal abuse. She reported experiencing suicidal ideation during her time at the institute and left after nine months. She later received a settlement in the mid-1990s and additional support through the Restorative Program.
Richardson criticized the documentary as inconsistent with the ASC's apologies, questioning the credibility of the apology given the program's focus. She also expressed disappointment regarding the impending end of the Restorative Program's dedicated funding, despite assurances of continued support through other channels.