Grace Brown, Carol Cooke join AIS program to accelerate careers post-retirement

Two of Australia’s greatest cyclists Grace Brown and Carol Cooke are teaming up with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to explore what’s next for them in the world of sport following their retirement.

Brown, an Olympic gold medallist and world champion, and Cooke, a three-time Paralympic gold medallist and nine-time world champion, are taking part in AIS Accelerate, a career development and networking program.

Also among the 11 retired female athletes joining this year's program is former rower-turned professional road cyclist Georgie Howe, who represented Australia at the 2023 road world championships in Glasgow.

“I feel like retiring from sport is a very unique experience, where you almost completely wipe the slate clean at a young age and now get to write how you want your future to be. It's a privilege, but also very overwhelming,” Brown said.

“I think the content of AIS Accelerate is going to be super helpful for me to gain clarity and share the journey with other women who have had a similar pathway.”

AIS Accelerate launched in 2021 and is aimed at helping retired athletes move into a new role in sport.

More than 80 Olympians, Paralympians, World Champions and Commonwealth Games athletes from 32 sports have been part of AIS Accelerate, including fellow cyclists and Australian Olympic Chef de Mission Anna Meares, and Paris 2024 gold medallist Emily Petricola.

“Former athletes bring a unique set of skills and experience to coaching, administration and leadership roles and play an invaluable part in making sure Australian high performance sport remains world-leading,” Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said.

Find out more here.

2025 AIS Accelerate participants

Jo Bridgen-Jones (kayak)

Grace Brown (cycling)

Carol Cooke (Para cycling)

Samantha Cornish (surfing)

Rachel Dutschke (diving)

Chelsea Hall (sailing)

Georgina Howe (cycling/rowing)

Selma Kajan (athletics)

Haylee Outteridge (sailing)

Sophia Scarff (rowing)

Lucy Stephan (rowing)

Main photo: SWPix