Honouring Amy’s legacy, and maximising opportunities of elite female athletes
It’s extremely challenging to suddenly change the course of your career due to circumstances out of your control. Yet female athletes who are forced to transition from elite sport may not be getting the support they need.
In December 2020, in partnership with Victoria University and via the generosity of a silent philanthropist, Ashleigh Marshall was awarded the third Amy Gillett Foundation Research Scholarship. Her PhD examines how national sporting organisations (NSOs) can maximise opportunities for elite female athletes who suddenly need to transition into a new career.
Katie Brown, AGF’s Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, knows first-hand the importance of such research.
Katie Brown was part of the Australian cycling team of six that was struck by a car in 2005, killing Amy Gillett.
Before the crash in 2005, Amy Gillett was about to undergo a PhD researching the support available to female athletes. There has been limited research into athletic retirement and career transition support for elite female athletes. Over the next eight months, Ashleigh Marshall will interview key stakeholders as part of her PhD research.
“I am proud to have the support of the Amy Gillett Foundation and continue to honour Amy’s legacy. Insights from my interviews will explore how support can be provided for women forced into change by injury, deselection or situations like Katie Brown’s”, says Ashleigh.
To read Ashleigh’s summary: http://www.amygillett.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Ashleigh-Marshall-PhD-summary.pdf
PHD announcement: https://www.amygillett.org.au/ashleigh-marshall-phd-supporting-sportswomen
