Run in partnership with the State and Territory Sport Institutes and Academies and National Sporting Organisations (NSOs), the AIS Gen32 Program is an intensive, paid coach development program for aspiring pathway and early career high performance coaches.

“It's the culmination of two years, or just over two years of being within the program, and we've made some really good friendships, which has been one of the biggest takeaways for me,” Birmingham said.

“There are a few coaches going to Paris, so I'll have to check out the ticket situation and try and get to all their events. But it'd be great to catch up with them in the village, and I wish them all well and hopefully they can get out on the marathon course when my guys and girls are going around.”

Birmingham is one of nine Gen32 coaches who will be in Paris, including Shara Roma (Boxing), Tommy Fynn (Skate), Natalyia Diehm (BMX), Emilee Barton (Rugby 7s), Jared Tallent (Athletics), Lukas Cannon Para-Athletics), Danny Kevan (Para-Athletics), and Hally Chapman (Rowing).

Chapman has been working with head coach John Keogh to prepare the Women’s Eight, with the team to start their Paris campaign on Monday July 29.

“Just getting to know the other coaches as people and learning what they are doing in their sports and the challenges they have helped me in my role,” Chapman said.

“It’s been fantastic. The passion and dedication of the NINJAs who look after the program from the AIS and the support I’ve had from NSWIS has given me a broader understanding of sport.”

As the six make the final preparations with their athletes in Paris, applications will soon be open for the 2025-26 iteration of the Gen32 Program. Applications open on 17 September until 15 October, with more information available via the AIS website here.