Stuck In The Grey Zone
For too long, athletes in Olympic, Paralympic and ASC‑funded programs have been stuck in a grey zone. Training and performing like professionals but routinely unable to access the protections, independent advice and financial support that would let them speak up safely. As both a lawyer and a four‑time Olympian, I’ve seen how that gap corrodes trust, welfare and performance.
The numbers are stark
Less than 1 in 5 athletes disclose concerns through reporting mechanisms (Bragagnolo and Lezama, 2025).
60% don’t trust anything would be done in response (Bragagnolo and Lezama, 2025).
53% fear career repercussions for speaking up (Bragagnolo and Lezama, 2025).
69% are unaware of their rights; 69% believe their best interests are overlooked (World Players Association, 2021)
25% of Australian athletes experienced anxiety or depression in 2022 (AIS Mental Health Audit 2022).
46% of Australian elite athletes over 18 earn under $23,000pa from all sources (Australian Sports Foundation, 2023)
These are not isolated incidents. Reviews and inquiries across gymnastics, athletics, swimming, rowing, hockey and volleyball have repeatedly exposed the same pattern: when independent representation is absent, athletes feel unsafe and unsupported to raise concerns. Too often, concerns only surface after athletes leave the sport.
Why the current system fails
Power imbalance: institutions control selection, funding and day‑to‑day environments. Athletes reliant on those systems fear reprisals.
Lack of independence: internal processes are perceived as biased, slow or ineffective.
Poor awareness and education: many athletes don’t know their rights or how to access support.
Financial precariousness: low incomes reduce options for independent legal or well‑being help.
Fragmented support: services are patchwork, reactive and uneven across sports.
What a better system must deliver Athlete safety, welfare and voice cannot depend on goodwill alone. We need structural change: an independent, athlete‑informed body that operates across high performance sport and delivers clear, consistent protection and support. Key functions should include:
Independent advocacy without fear or favour: an organisation that athletes trust to represent their interests, independent from governing bodies and selection panels.
Legal, well‑being and dispute support: timely access to expert legal advice, mental health and counselling support, and independent case management for concerns and disputes.
Clear education on rights and responsibilities: upfront, accessible guidance for athletes at every stage, from talent pathways to post‑career transition, so they know where to turn.
Mechanisms that level power imbalances: confidential reporting routes, witness protections, and agreed protocols that prevent retaliation and ensure fair processes.
Data and oversight: independent collection of data on complaints, outcomes and well-being metrics to inform continuous improvement and public accountability.
Australian sport has woken to these problems through a series of reviews and high‑profile cases. Media coverage and official inquiries have pushed many sports to reform, but patchy implementation and ongoing athlete distrust show that piecemeal fixes won’t be enough. The high performance environment requires systemic, consistent safeguards that follow athletes no matter which sport they represent.
A collaborative solution — not us vs them
This is not an adversarial proposition. It must be a collaborative, system‑wide commitment involving athletes, NSOs, the ASC, athlete commissions/representatives, medical and legal professionals, and government. The goal is shared: to protect athletes so they can perform at their best and transition safely afterwards.
Conclusion
If we are serious about athlete well-being, safety and voice, fragmented or reactive approaches won’t cut it. We need an independent, athlete‑informed infrastructure that advocates, advises, educates and levels the playing field. That change will protect athletes, strengthen integrity and leadership across high performance sport, and ultimately help Australia WinWell.
Let’s build this with athletes, not just about them.