Australian Sailing Team ILCA 6 coach Ben Walkemeyer has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) as a high-performance coach of the future, having been appointed to the National Generation 2032 Coach Program in its inaugural year.

This program - a joint initiative between the AIS, National Institute Network (NIN) partners, and National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) – will see 31 developing coaches from 22 sports benefiting from paid two-year coaching apprenticeships.

Acting Director of the AIS Matt Clements said: “Quality coaching is the foundation for sport at all levels, so it’s wonderful to see the Australian high performance sport system combining forces to develop the next generation of coaches who will guide Australian athletes on the world stage for many years to come.”

Ben, who is currently the Assistant National ILCA 6 Coach, says that this program will provide a fantastic opportunity for professional development, and will allow him to continue pursuing his passion for coaching.

“The program is about developing Australian coaches towards the 2032 Olympics so it’s exciting, and I’m quite proud to be considered as someone with potential to coach Australian sailors at that pinnacle event,” said Walkemeyer.

“It’s a practical opportunity to accelerate and broaden my coaching skills. I already know I’ll take unforgettable value from the coaches and mentors I’ll work with over the next two years, and this will include experiences in different sailing classes and other sporting and high-performance domains too.”

The announcement is a proud moment for the Australian Sailing Team, with Australian Sailing’s High-Performance Director Iain Brambell OLY stating that Ben’s appointment is well-deserved.

“In working closely with National ILCA 6 Coach Carolijn Brouwer, Ben’s coaching is already seeing the progressive and positive development of the next wave of ILCA 6 talent, with all four AST and ASS athletes making the medal race at Kiel last week,” Brambell said.

“While Ben is focusing on developing future Olympic medallists it is important that he continues in his professional and technical development as a coach, which is exactly what this program will help him accomplish.

“Ben and Carolijin’s work with the ILAC 6 women is strongly tied to Australian Sailing’s Strategic Priorities and High Performance Strategy which is to best position more female sailors for podium successes and further increasing the gender balance while growing the pool of sailors progressing along sailing’s performance pathway.”

Brambell knows that is not just Walkemeyer who will benefit from this experience.

“We look forward to supporting Ben within the National Generation 2032 Coach Program and look forward to seeing his positive impact on athletes and the HP program.”

For more information on the National Generation 2032 Coach Program, click here.