Athlete Leadership Group

Water Polo Alumni and 4 x Olympian, Bronwen Knox is the elected Chairperson for the ALG. Bronwen has been a QAS-supported athlete for 19 years and has 18 years of experience playing water polo at the highest level. Bronwen has a comprehensive understanding of the many issues that impact athlete life. She hopes to utilise her extensive experience as an athlete to positively influence change that ultimately benefits an athlete’s sporting journey. She believes that being a member of this ALG is a privilege and with that comes the responsibility to champion the athlete’s voice and elevate it into rooms where decision is being made.

What being a part of the ALG means to you
Being part of the ALG is a privilege. It’s a chance to elevate the athlete voice, challenge the system where needed, and drive change to positively influence the QAS-supported athlete experience. It’s also about strengthening our athlete community. Making sure every athlete feels heard, supported, and connected.

David McKeon OAM is a retired Australian swimmer and two-time Olympian representing Australia at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympic Games. He announced his retirement from competitive swimming in early 2021 at the age of 28. In recognition of his service to sport, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Following his retirement, McKeon has remained active in the sporting community. He serves on the Queensland Academy of Sport’s Athlete Leadership Group, working alongside other prominent athletes to represent athlete perspectives across various sports. David McKeon’s legacy in Australian swimming is marked by his international achievements and his continued commitment to supporting athletes beyond his competitive years.

What being a part of the ALG means to you?
As an Olympic swimmer, being part of the Athlete Leadership Group at the Queensland Academy of Sport means using my experience at the highest level to support and inspire fellow athletes, foster a strong and united sporting culture, and give back to the system that helped shape my journey.

Jirrabul Mamu woman Jamie-Lee Surha, of the Yidinji Nation, has been playing hockey for more than 13 years and has proudly represented both Queensland and Australia throughout her career. A significant milestone came with her debut for the Hockeyroos during the Europe Pro League, marking the start of her journey on the international stage.

In early 2023, Jamie-Lee relocated to Brisbane to further her development as an elite athlete and pursue opportunities at the highest level of the sport through the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS). With a strong commitment to continual growth and performance, her long-term goal is to secure a permanent place in the Hockeyroos squad and represent Australia at the pinnacle of international hockey.

Sophie McCulloch is a professional surfer from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, known for her resilience and competitive spirit on the international stage.
Sophie began surfing at age five with her siblings at Alexandra Headland. She has been a long-time member of the North Shore Boardriders Club. Balancing academics and athletics, she pursued a dual degree in Marketing and Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast from 2016 to 2021. Beyond her surfing achievements, Sophie is an ambassador for Athletes for Hope Australia, reflecting her commitment to community involvement and inspiring others through her journey.

What being a part of the ALG means to you
Sophie is honoured to be a part of a program that seeks purely to support athletes and their progression through sport. She appreciates the demands on all athletes so is excited to be able to contribute towards an ever-evolving well-rounded support network.

Two-time Paralympic Gold Medallist, Australian Wheelchair Rugby Steelers Team Captain, and father of two, Chris Bond, brings a unique perspective to the group having worked with athletes Australia-wide through his work at the Australian Sports Foundation. Based on the Sunshine Coast Chris’ experience on various Boards and Athlete Groups, including as a member of the Disability Sports Australia Board and as part of the Sports Integrity Australia Athlete Leadership Group, assures Chris has valuable knowledge and insight that will benefit the group and the wider QAS athlete cohort.

What being a part of the ALG means to you
Chris is passionate about the holistic athlete and joined the ALG to make decisions to support athletes from their rookie year through to their retirement from sport. He is excited for this group to make meaningful impact into the runway for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.

Olympian and Commonwealth Games Discus Champion, Matt Denny is motivated to contribute to real strategies that result in better support for athletes in an environment that values good culture. Matt has been a QAS-supported athlete for the past 11 years and is always willing to share his insights and experience to empower athletes to drive their individual development. Born and raised in Allora, on Queensland’s Darling Downs, Matt is passionate about supporting regional athlete development.

What being a part of the ALG means to you
Being a part of the QAS ALG is something I’m very proud of because I believe we have a great group of athletes with real passion. I really want to continue to improve the quality of support and culture surrounding what it takes to be a high performing athlete.

Townsville native, and Kite foiling prodigy, Breiana Whitehead brings a regional perspective to the group having spent most of her career in the North Queensland city. In 2024 she clinched the gold medal in the Women’s Formula Kite at the 53rd Trofeo Princesa Sofía in Spain, becoming only the second Australian to win the overall trophy in the event’s history. Later in 2024, she made her Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games, finishing 7th in the Women’s Formula Kite event. Her outstanding performances earned her the 2024 Female Australian Sailor of the Year award. Breiana is a strong advocate for her sport and aims to inspire others to get involved in Kite foiling.

What being a part of the ALG means to you:
Being a part of a group of the ALG group excites me as each of the ALG members truly care about the QAS athletes we are representing and want to make sure that QAS athletes’ experiences are being heard. As an athlete who has grown up regionally, being a part of the ALG allows me to give a voice to the challenges and hurdles that many regional athletes experience.

Aussie Stinger, 2x Olympian and an Olympic silver medallist and a World Championships Bronze Medallist, Gabi Palm aims to develop a stronger connection between athletes across QAS supported sports. An ever-willing participant in QAS workshops and activities, Gabi believes it is important to network with her QAS peers to create an additional level of support through shared experiences and challenges. Gabi’s motivation is to create stronger connections, coupled with her leadership experience, is an asset to the QAS ALG.

What being a part of the ALG means to you:
The athlete’s voice is the most important at the QAS, and I feel very privileged in my role at the ALG to ensure that the views and interests of the QAS athletes are represented.