New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) has launched a new documentary series to show what it takes to be an Olympian and Paralympian, both on and off the field.

NSWIS Lights Up is a unique documentary series which explores the raw emotions, inner thoughts, challenges, and triumphs of 20 ‘world’s best’ NSWIS athletes who are preparing to prove themselves on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

The documentaries are scheduled for release on a weekly basis in the lead up to the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the world premiere of the series, featuring 2022 world high jump champion Eleanor Patterson.

The series details each athlete’s rise from their grass roots junior sporting competitions, the importance of their support base, the origins of the inner determination that has driven their pursuit of excellence, their definition of courage in sport, their fears, and sharing with viewers the adrenaline-charged thrill of competing at global contests.

Each athlete puts a human face to their story. Through their voice we learn there is no courage without vulnerability, and that there’s times when pushing on when it would be so easy to quit is a victory. Each story is different, but they’re entwined by a fierce inner courage and the desire to shine on the world’s greatest stage.

NSWIS is is one of 51 sports and sporting organisations signed up to Australia’s High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy and its vision, “We win well to inspire Australians”.

The NSWIS Lights Up series will featuring the following athletes:

Tuesday 23 January: Eleanor Patterson OLY (athletics –high jump)

Monday 29 January: Sam Fricker OLY (diving)

Monday 5 February: Noemie Fox (canoe slalom)

Monday 12 February: Melissa Wu OLY (diving)

Monday 19 February: Tilly Kearns OLY (water polo)

Monday 26 February: Sarah Carli OLY (athletics –hurdles)

Monday 4 March: Evie Haseldine and Olivia Price OLY (sailing)

Monday 11 March: Dylan Littlehales PLY (Para canoe sprint)