A record number of Indigenous athletes have been appointed as national ambassadors through the Australian Institute of Sport's (AIS) Share a Yarn program, marking a significant step in strengthening cultural identity and inclusion in elite sport.
Now in its sixth year, the program remains the only national initiative connecting Indigenous athletes across all high performance sports.
Participants are matched with mentors to support them in navigating sport as Indigenous athletes and becoming advocates for their communities.
The program forms part of the broader Win Well strategy, aimed at building deeper engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and histories.
Among the 25 new appointees is Warlpiri teenager and rising Paralympian Telaya Blacksmith, who represented Australia in Paris.
"Being from a remote community I know how difficult it can be to find a pathway to compete on the world stage," Blacksmith said.
"I recently returned from a trip back home and could see the impact that my achievements had on my community."
Seventeen-year-old swimmer Jackson Anderson said he hopes to create more accessible pathways in sport.
"Swimming has given me incredible opportunities, but I also recognise that not all Indigenous athletes have the same access or support," Anderson said.
"I want to be part of the change, helping to create more inclusive and welcoming environments for Indigenous swimmers."
Twins Isabella and Jasmine Guthrie, who compete in athletics, said the program supports their journey in reconnecting with their culture.
"A few years ago our mother was diagnosed with Leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant," Guthrie said.
"As a result, we went on a journey that led my family to recently finding out about our Indigenous heritage.
"Consequently, we have been trying to fill the gap and learn as much as we can about our family's heritage and culture."
Twelve athletes are returning to the program, including boxer Marissa Williamson Pohlman, who became the first Aboriginal woman to compete in boxing at the Olympics in 2024.
"I started boxing at 17 as a way to navigate life in the foster care system, training at a gym for at-risk youth in Melbourne's western suburbs," Pohlman said.
"Mainstream sport can be challenging, but having the unwavering support of mob keeps me grounded and focused on my goals."
A cultural connection camp will bring together all 34 ambassadors and mentors at the AIS campus in October.
Netballer Aaleya Turner said the opportunity to connect with other Indigenous athletes is vital.
"Being part of a safe cultural space where I can share my story and learn from the experiences of others is truly invaluable," Turner said.
The program is part of the AIS's High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy and its Connection to Country Action Plan.
Share A Yarn athletes:
Aaleya Turner (netball), Amanda Reid (para cycling and snowboarding), Bianca Crisp (swimming), Calab Law (athletics), Emily Watts (cycling), Grayson Doig (swimming), Isabella Guthrie (athletics), Jackson Anderson (swimming), Jackson Rowe (athletics), Jasmin Guthrie (athletics) Kali-Yah Taafili Taoso (water polo), Kylie Lavis (née Whitehead) (bowls), Lakara Stallan (athletics), Leihani Zoric, (surfing), Marissa Williamson Pohlman (boxing), Reese Orcher (rugby sevens), Rhani Hagan (ugby sevens), Ruby Storm (para swimming), Sarah-Jane Haywood (archery), Scarlet Jauncey (netball), Tay-Leiha Clark (athletics), Telaya Blacksmith (para athletics), Thewbelle Philp (athletics), Tomysha Clark (athletics), Tyler Eleise Puzicha (cycling).
Share a Yarn mentors:
Ben Austin (para swimming), Bo de la Cruz (touch football, rugby union, rugby league, AFL), Clarence McCarthy-Grogan (wheelchair basketball) Jacara Egan (AFL), Kyle Vander Kuyp (athletics), Mariah Williams (hockey), Tahlia Taylor-Kickett (football), Tanisha Williams (multiple sports), Tyrone Glenbar (AFL).
