New Throws Centre primed for medals

The Queensland Government and Athletics Australia invested $1.85 million and $850,000 respectively in the National Throws Centre of Excellence.

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

The building has an all-weather design and cutting-edge diagnostics that capture and analyse technique in real-time to help athletes and coaches develop winning throws.

There are three dedicated areas for multiple throws disciplines and indoor training, giving Queensland athletes a competitive advantage in the build up to next year’s Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.

The Centre will also help the QAS in its search and development of the next generation of home-grown, podium ready throws athletes.

It’s 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.

“We are excited to see how this infrastructure gives the next generation of throwers a significant boost in their pursuit of excellence,” he said.

QAS Chief Executive 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.

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."

For more information about Queensland’s green and gold runway to the Brisbane 2032 Games, visit the Queensland Academy of Sport.