Record number of First Nations athletes appointed as national ambassadors

Amanda Reid will join the 25-strong athlete cohort from 14 sports as national ambassadors for the Australian Institute of Sport Share Yarn Program. 

Now in its sixth year, the AIS Share a Yarn Program is the only initiative in Australia which connects  First Nations athletes from all high performance sports.  

Athletes are paired with well-known mentors who help them navigate life as a First Nations athlete  and become advocates in sport. 

It is part of the broader Win Well commitment to enhance meaningful connections with Aboriginal and  Torres Strait Islander Peoples, histories, communities, and cultures.  

All 34 athletes and mentors will come together for a cultural connection camp held at the AIS campus  in October. 

This initiative is underpinned by Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy. Connection to  Country Action Plan.  

More information about the program can be found here: Share a Yarn | Australian Institute of Sport

2025 athlete ambassadors:

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, Rugby 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 

2025 mentors: 

Ben Austin, Para Swimming 

Bo de la Cruz, Touch Football, Rugby Union, League and 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