Dr Siona Fernandes OLY

Olympian | PhD | MSc Psychology | MSc Sport & Exercise | Bachelor of Performing Arts

Connecting sport, exercise and cultural context to improve health and wellbeing

Siona an Indian-born bharatnatyam dancer turned Olympic boxer at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

About

Siona brings together theory, research and direct experience accumulated across:

• Performing Arts – Professional Bharatanatyam Artist.
• High Performance Sport – Olympian.
• Academic Researcher – research on the Asian Indian diaspora
• Exercise and Fitness Practice – Accredited practitioner in the exercise and fitness industry.

CURRENT WORK

Her research and coaching interests combine academic knowledge with embodied practices in sport, exercise, culture and migration contexts. Siona has presented to academic, community and industry audiences and made advisory contributions to the sport and exercise sectors.

Indian Community and Functional Exercise Coaching
Research Portfolio

Published: 07 August 2026
Fostering Equity in and Through Sport: A Content Analysis of Sports Policies for Migrants in Australia

Cite as: S. Fernandes and  E. Holroyd, “ Fostering Equity in and Through Sport: A Content Analysis of Sports Policies for Migrants in Australia,” Health Promotion Journal of Australia  37, no. 4 (2026): e70229, https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.70229.

Siona served on the judging panel for Australia’s active health and exercise industry.
Siona Fernandes Olympian and Indian Bharatnatyam dancer speaks at the conference on health promotion sharing her research findings .
Speaker
Siona Fernandes Olympian and Indian Bharatnatyam dancer
Siona chosen to speak at the youth Leadership day.
Olympic Ambassador
Olympian and Indian Bharatnatyam dancer Siona Fernandes running a workshop for children in sport.
Olympian and Indian Bharatnatyam dancer Siona Fernandes spotlight by the journal of physical activity and health as a published author
Olympian and Indian Bharatnatyam dancer Siona Fernandes guest speaker at the school sports awards.
Sport Awards Presenter

Contact

connect@sionafernandes.com