Ten Australian para-cyclists are among more than 120 para-athletes nationwide to receive funds that will help them continue to chase their dreams thanks to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Paralympics Australia.
The Para Athlete Barrier Fund is an initiative of the Australian Government-funded Para Uplift and will help cover costs such as equipment, travel and support workers with grants of up to $4,000 for athletes across 18 different sports.
Para Uplift aims to make Brisbane 2032 Australia’s most successful Games ever, focussing on addressing better classification opportunities, access to fit-for-purpose training environments, and specialised coaching and performance support.
Korey Boddington following his victory at the 2024 Paralympics. Photo: Getty
Among the recipients is Paralympic gold and bronze medallist C4 Flying 200m world record holder Korey Boddington who is eyeing a Paralympic three-peat.
“I am limited by outdated equipment as my current road bike and cycling shoes no longer meet the demands of elite-level training and racing, restricting my performance and progression,” he said.
“Receiving this grant would allow me to upgrade essential equipment, significantly improving my training quality, race performance, and progression towards World Championships and Paralympic qualification.”
Four members of the ARA Australia Cycling Team's successful 2025 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships campaign in Belgium will also receive grants.
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Emily Petricola was recently crowned C3 time trial world champion. Photo: SWpix.com
They are mixed H team relay silver medallist Grant Allen, C3 time trial world champion Emily Petricola, C3 road race bronze medallist Paige Greco and double C5 world champion Alana Forster.
Minister for Sport the Hon Anika Wells said the Australian Government was committed to removing barriers that are often imposed on Para-athletes.
“The impact of the Para Athlete Barrier Fund and Para Uplift cannot be underestimated. For the 123 athletes named today, these grants will be the difference between being able to continue their dreams of wearing the green and gold or being financially forced into retirement,” Minister Wells said.
The Australian Government has invested an additional $54.9 million in Para-sport – doubling previous investment – to fund the Para Uplift.
The ARA Australian Cycling Team athletes receiving support through the Para Athlete Barrier Fund:
- Gordon Allan - Track (Parklife Cycling Club)
- Grant Allen - Road (Inside Line Inc)
- Korey Boddington - Track (University of Queensland Cycling Club)
- Jessica Gallagher - Track (St Kilda Cycling Club)
- Paige Greco - Road/Track (Lifecycle Cycling Club)
- Alana Forster - Road/Track (Ballarat/Sebastopol Cycling Club)
- Stuart Jones - Road (Parramatta Cycling Club)
- Erin Normoyle - Track (Geelong Cycle Club/Brunswick Cycling Club)
- Kane Perris - Track (Track Cycling WA)
- Emily Petricola - Road/Track (St Kilda Cycling Club)