Push for polesport to feature at Olympics

In 2007, a petition began circulating in the global pole community aimed to get pole fitness recognised as an Olympic sport.

It caught the attention of passionate WA instructor, Lara Johnson, who eagerly added her name to the cause.

At the time, she had no idea this would lead her on a decade-long journey to help shape the future of pole and aerial sports in Australia.

Years passed, and Lara’s dedication to the sport grew. She taught at studios and events across WA, sharing her love for pole fitness and aerial artistry.

Eventually, she settled in Margaret River, where she founded Rapture Arts.

“Unlike many performance-focused studios, Rapture Arts prioritised strong foundations-giving students the technical knowledge and skill to shape their artistic and athletic journey.”

This philosophy aligned well with the Australian Pole Sport Federation (APSF), an organisation striving to see pole and aerial sports gain national recognition and, one day, a place in the Olympics.

The APSF competition structure celebrates technical precision and creative expression, from the controlled power and strength required in ‘Pole Sport’ to the wild imagination of the ‘Artistic Pole’ category.

The competition also highlights aerial hoop, doubles and group performances, and para-athletes, including a para-athlete who qualified for the World Championships in 2024.

In late 2023, Lara took her commitment to the sport even further, joining the APSF committee to work actively toward her dream of growing the industry, establishing national safety standards, and helping pole and aerial sports gain wider recognition.

During one of these committee meetings, she heard a familiar name – Katie Coates – who had spearheaded the Olympic petition back in 2007.

Lara had come “full circle”, from a hopeful signatory to an active force shaping the industry.

“With APSF’s ongoing efforts, pole and aerial sports are on the brink of national recognition – an achievement that will provide athletes, studios, and artists with greater resources, support, and funding.”

This recognition would not only help Australian competitors travelling to the World Championships (such as the 17 who qualified in 2024, including 11 from WA) but would also open doors to Olympic dreams.

The APSF has taken steps to bring its mission to WA, visiting Margaret River and engaging with the International Training Project at the WA circus festival in Karridale.

In 2024, local businesses Rapture Arts and Celestial Salts sponsored the Australian Pole and Aerial Competition. In 2025, LifeStorm has come on board to run mental health workshops for emerging athletes.

The federation said with continued growth and community support, a future APSF National Championship could be held in WA.

The federation is calling on supporters – athletes, studios, and even everyday fitness enthusiasts – to join the journey.

“Whether by competing, spectating, sponsoring, or simply signing up as a supporter member, every contribution helps bring pole and aerial sports closer to national recognition and, ultimately, the Olympic stage.

“The journey is far from over, but the momentum has never been stronger.”

For more information, to support the cause, or to get involved, visit auspolesports.org.