AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORTS EXCELS IN PERFORMANCE

One of the most interesting attractions in Canberra is the Australian Institute of Sports (AIS). Although it's quite unique for a sports complex to be located in a capital city, it's proven to be the perfect spot for training budding star athletes.

Billed as a "centre-of-excellence" the AIS boasts the world's best

Their outstanding alumni records are no secret either - 93 of the 118 Australian medal winners at the Atlanta Olympic Games were either current or former AIS athletes, including some of the participants at the Sydney Olympics now in full swing.

The site boasts an amazing array of facilities from basketball courts, Olympic sized swimming pools, volleyball courts, boxing rings, wrestling mats, archery courts and a gymnastics arena, in addition to a stadium and world class outdoor track.

The athletes-in-training conduct the 90-minute tours - see where they train and listen to their pointers as they outline the skills they must master in preparation for their role as one of Australia's elite athletes. You can watch AIS gymnasts at practice or swimmers training in the pool.

Along with seeing some of Australia's best in athletics, visitors can also attempt virtual rowing, visit a golf cage or throw a rugby ball to check the speed of your fastball. I must admit that the AIS was my favorite Canberra attraction because I am a sports enthusiast, and it was a real thrill to see the training facilities of the past, present and upcoming stars.

A word of advice, try stretching before you throw the ball. Believe me, the benefits far outweigh the extra 10 or 15 minutes you spend doing a warm-up. (I paid the price and came away with sore muscles).

While on the tour you can catch the Living Legends series including "Caught Marsh, Bowled Lillee" and the David Campese tribute.

Its excellent training facilities aside, the AIS is aesthetically pleasing to visitors especially those who rely on cameras to record lasting memories. Look for the plaques in the pavement to find some of the best spots for photo opportunities.

There are four statues that might capture your attention. The gymnast near the Gymnastics Hall, the swimmer at the Swimming Center and two soccer players between the Basketball and Netball Hall, all in bronze. The fourth features a pole vaulter cast in bronze and stainless steel at the Australian Sports Commission and AIS Administration Centre.

Outstanding architectural structures include the Ansett Visitor's Centre, the primary entrance to the AIS Campus, the Sportex Interactive Hall and the AIS Arena, the Sports Science and Sports Medicine Building and the Biomerchanics Dome.

Hey, mates, I'm glad I visited the AIS and was invited to "see where we make the fittest bodies in Australia." So how about you?