Paralympic champion Emily Petricola will be aiming to recruit and develop the next generation of Paralympians in her new role as the South Australian Sports Institute’s (SASI’s) Para Unit Lead.

The two-time Paralympic cycling gold medallist will bring her expertise to the newly established unit which will provide world-class services that support athletes with a disability on their pathway from identification through to the Paralympics.

Relocating from Melbourne to Adelaide to take up the role, Emily said she’s excited and ready to hit the ground running in her new position.

“I am looking forward to being a part of creating a system that supports all South Australian Para-athletes as they begin their journey into elite sport,” Petricola said.

“I want to ensure that athletes are set up to be the best they can be, especially as we head towards Brisbane 2032.”

Paralympics Australia Head of Performance Strategy Elise Rechichi said she was delighted that Emily had been appointed to lead the SASI Para Unit.

“This is a critical leadership role within the Para System Uplift and we know Emily will excel in establishing the Para Unit and mentoring the team,” Rechichi said.

"Emily is an extraordinary role model and one of our most decorated Paralympians — a fierce competitor with a wealth of experience across multiple sports, both as an athlete and as an administrator.

“She has a long history of advocating for the continued growth of Para-sport in Australia and ensuring that Para-athletes are supported to make to the most of their talents.

"We congratulate SASI on this outstanding appointment and look forward to welcoming Emily to the team."

The first order of business for Emily will be to establish a team of coaches and performance support professionals including a Wheelchair Skills Coach, Physiotherapist and Classification Lead, Engineering and Equipment Specialist, Athletics Coach and Learning Design Specialist.

SASI Director Keren Faulkner said building this team will be integral to getting the best possible results moving forward.

“We want Brisbane 2032 to be the most successful Games ever for our Australian Paralympians and if we’re going to achieve that, we need a highly skilled team of people working with our aspiring athletes,” Faulkner said.

“I’m proud that SASI is leading the way in this field and we are enabling more Para-athletes to thrive in the South Australian high-performance pathway, leading to greater representation, success and visibility.”

Adding more star power to the unit is Paralympic gold medallist Jed Altschwager, who commenced as the Para Transition Coach at the end of last year following his history-making win in the Paris 2024 PR3 Mixed Double Sculls.

With their combined knowledge and experience, Jed said he is pumped for Emily to join the team and excited by the prospect of what can be achieved.

“You need a strong support network around you to make it to the Paralympics and having this unit in place in conjunction with our team and incredible Mile End facility is a recipe for success,” Altschwager said.

“As someone who started on the path to becoming a Paralympian at 28-years-old, I think I bring a unique point of view to this position, and I have valuable insights and experiences I can share that will help aspiring athletes to reach the same heights that I did.”

Partnering with Paralympics Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), this initiative will see new Para-sports incorporated in SASI’s training environment, resulting in more South Australians competing and excelling at the Paralympics.

Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said this aligns with Australia’s 2032+ High Performance Sport Strategy.

“This announcement is an example of how the nation-wide Para Uplift is a game-changer for sport in Australia,” Clements said.

“The SASI Para Unit is one of the key initiatives made possible through the Australian Government’s record Para funding and will help us achieve our goal of making Brisbane 2032 the nation’s best Games ever.

“It’s critical our athletes are part of the process, and I look forward to working with Emily, Jed and the SASI Para Unit team to create a legacy of sustainable success in Para-sport.”

Australian Minister for Aged Care and Sport, the Hon Anika Wells echoed these sentiments highlighting the impact that inspirational leaders will have within the unit and beyond.

“The Albanese Government is proud to be supporting more Australians with a disability than ever before pursue their dreams in sport,” Minister Wells said.

“Having champions like Emily and Jed in leadership positions will not only help inspire the next generation of Paralympians but reshape how all Australians look at disability in this country.

“Together, we’re building a legacy of greater opportunity and gold medal moments on the road to Brisbane 2032.”

To support the development of future Paralympians, SASI Para Unit athletes will utilise the facilities within the Mile End sports precinct including the new $88 million SASI build, the Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics and the redeveloped SA Athletics Stadium.

Athletes can register their interest in the SASI Para Unit via www.sasi.sa.gov.au/about/para-unit