Goodman to return to Australia as ​Director of Performance Coaching

Athletics Australia is pleased to announce the strengthening of its High Performance department, with the appointment of Scott Goodman in the role of Director of Performance Coaching.

Goodman will drive the performance culture through leadership, and empower AA’s high performance coaching network in their pursuit of continued success at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Birmingham Commonwealth Games and beyond.

For the last decade Goodman worked with Athletics New Zealand as its High Performance Director.  In that role he oversaw a highly successful period for Athletics New Zealand, highlighted by four medals at the Rio 2016 Olympics and two medals at the Tokyo Olympics, and an impressive nine-medal haul at the Rio Paralympic Games, with a further seven at the Tokyo Paralympics. Additionally, Goodman has been a personal coach to a number of a successful athletes at World Championship and Olympic/Paralympic level including New Zealand’s Dame Valerie Adams.

Prior to his success in New Zealand Goodman worked in Athletics Australia’s High Performance department as a personal and Head Coach and Team Manager.

Athletics Australia General Manager, High Performance Andrew Faichney said today’s announcement was the result of a widespread search, which included the analysis of a number of coaching candidates.

“It is with much pleasure that we appoint Scott Goodman to the role of Director of Performance Coaching and we are thrilled to welcome him back to the Australian athletics family,” Faichney said.

“Scott has an exceptional mix of coaching experience, and but what is particularly impressive is his unique philosophy which focuses equally on high performance outcomes as well as coaching development. We believe this will be key to building sustainable success for our sport as we look ahead to Brisbane 2032.

“Scott also brings with him a great understanding and experience of what is required to support coaches to succeed at the highest level. I speak on behalf of all of Athletics Australia when I say we look forward to Scott’s contributions as we work towards creating successful campaigns in this Olympic and Paralympic Games cycle.”

Incoming Director of Performance Coaching, Goodman said:

“It’s been 10 and a half years since I’ve worked in Australia and I’m very much looking forward to coming home and working with Andrew and our coaches. Many of them will be familiar to me, but what motivates me is also being able to work with our younger, emerging coaches – some of whom I will work with for the first time.

“I’ve developed a lot of experience over my 30-40 year career, but particularly so in the time that I’ve been in New Zealand and I believe that experience is going to be useful for the coaches and athletes who we know could do something really special at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Goodman will begin in the role in February, upon his return to Australia from New Zealand.

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 11/1/2021