10 July 2025
Air Force physical training instructor (PTI) Corporal Nicole Gusman has made a global impact with the Palau National Olympic Committee (PNOC), supporting Team Palau at the Pacific Mini Games in Koror from June 29 to July 9.
As a strength and conditioning coach, Corporal Gusman played a pivotal role in helping prepare Palau’s athletes for international competition, showcasing the Air Force’s commitment to fostering resilience and excellence through sport.
A degree-qualified PTI completing her Master’s in High-Performance Sport, Corporal Gusman brings a wealth of experience to her assignment.
Captain of Malta’s first 13-a-side women’s rugby league team in 2022, representing Malta in international matches including a 2023 test against the Philippines, she combined her high-performance background with Air Force training to mentor Palau’s emerging athletes.
“Sport is the universal language,” Corporal Gusman said.
“It brings nations together and I’m excited to mentor Palau’s athletes, foster connections and help them achieve their potential.”
Her journey to Palau carries deep personal meaning. Born in Australia with Maltese heritage, Corporal Gusman represented Malta in rugby league to honour her late father.
“It was super special to represent his heritage,” she said.
'It’s about giving young people opportunities to succeed, both on the field and in life.'
Her experience coaching on the Gold Coast, where she supported athletes with disabilities and fundraised for a young African girl to compete nationally, fuels her passion for inclusive sport.
“Sport is for everyone,” Corporal Gusman said.
“It’s about giving young people opportunities to succeed, both on the field and in life.”
Through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-funded Australian Volunteers Program, Corporal Gusman worked within a multidisciplinary team to enhance Team Palau’s physical preparation and injury prevention programs.
Her role included mentoring local coaches, delivering screening, testing and exercise prescription for athletes across multiple sports, and developing individual performance plans.
With Palau’s focus on the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, Corporal Gusman aims to lay foundations for long-term success.
“It’s about creating lasting impact. By helping to train local staff and refining systems, we’re helping Palau build a stronger sporting future,” she said.
More than 2500 athletes from 24 Oceania countries competed in 14 sports during the Pacific Mini Games, with Palau hosting in its commercial centre, Koror.
Corporal Gusman’s work will also support future events, including the 2026 Micronesian Games in Nauru and the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.
Her assignment aligns with PNOC’s mission to develop sport while promoting inclusion, gender equality and youth engagement, particularly among Palau’s young athletes.
'The ADF’s support has been amazing, particularly my chain of command at ADFA.'
Corporal Gusman’s role highlights the strategic value of sport in international engagement.
Her chain of command at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), where she trains junior officers, recognised her expertise and released her for this opportunity.
“The ADF’s support has been amazing, particularly my chain of command at ADFA,” she said.
“Their backing shows how sport can bridge communities and strengthen partnerships.”
Corporal Gusman’s passion for sport extends to her Air Force duties.
Recently, she supported the ADFA rugby team as a sports trainer at an international competition in Japan, where they triumphed against teams from the French Naval College, Japanese National Defense Academy and British Naval College.
“I love working with young people at ADFA,” Corporal Gusman said.
“They’re influential and I want to inspire them to seize opportunities like this.”
As she prepared for Palau, completing the Australian Volunteers Program onboarding training in Melbourne, Corporal Gusman refined her mentoring approach.
Her work will culminate in providing feedback and recommendations to enhance Team Palau’s preparation for future events, leaving a legacy of growth.
“I hope to elevate Palau’s athletes and inspire other Air Force personnel to embrace the power of sport,” Corporal Gusman said.
