Australia recorded their worst medal haul for 20 years at London 2012 ©Getty Images

Australia’s target to be one of the top five nations in the Rio 2016 medal table has been dubbed more “aspirational” than likely by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) director Matt Favier.

The Oceanic nation finished 10th in the standings at London 2012, collecting seven golds, 16 silver and 12 bronze in their worst haul since Barcelona 1992.

This led to the establishment of the 10-year “Winning Edge” strategy that same year, when the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) radically overhauled how Government funds were allocated and set the top-five target.

However, a 44-page document published by the AIS, entitled "Sports Tally 2015, Australia's Winning Edge", suggests that Australia could rank as low as 11th at next year’s Olympic Games.

"The targets announced under ‘Winning Edge’ were ambitious, and the plan, bold,” said Favier.

"While top five in Rio 2016 remains our goal we recognise, three years into the implementation of 'Winning Edge', this target is aspirational especially considering the high calibre of rival nations.

"That notwithstanding, we remain extremely committed and are working hard towards achieving a top-five finish at Rio 2016."

England beat Australia to the top of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games medal table
England beat Australia to the top of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games medal table ©Getty Images

The report predicts that Australia will finish behind the United States, China, Russia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand at Rio 2016.

Furthermore, having missed out on top spot at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the first time since 1986, the report suggested it had provided a reality check for Australia.

Prior to the Games, the AIS revealed the allocation of its 2014-2015 AUD$120 million (£63 million/$96 million/€84 million) investment with sailing, swimming and taekwondo among the disciplines to receive a boost.

The body gave sailing the biggest increase in financial support - AUD$1.25 million (£650,000/$1 million/€880,000) - following the sport's three gold-medal haul at London 2012. 


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