Grassroots to Glory | McDermott and Horsnell's 14-year partnership

When Nicola McDermott speaks of memorable moments during her 14-year-strong partnership with coach Matt Horsnell, two pivotal events spring to mind – one that defines success and one that defines character. 

The two first met when McDermott was enjoying Little Athletics on the Central Coast of New South Wales, with Horsnell identifying that the then 10-year-old possessed the foundations to become one of the sport’s greats. 

“Matt said that he thought I was going to be one of the best high jumpers in history,” she said. 

“He had a long term plan and told me not to worry about being a national junior champion - he wanted me to be performing at my best as a senior.” 

It’s a plan that has paid dividends for the duo, with McDermott becoming the first Australian woman in history to clear 2.00m at this year’s Australian Track and Field Championships before proceeding to claim Olympic silver when raising the bar to 2.02m – all under the guidance of Horsnell. 

“You have a seed inside your own heart but then you have people who are willing to water it and help maintain it to make it grow, and that’s important for each person,” she said. 

“Every time I’m at a competition, Matt is talking about high jump to all the coaches – he loves sharing information and trying to build the sport as a whole. He is learning so much from other people because he is always willing to listen and try new things out.” 

The two-metre slice of history will forever hold great sentiment to the pair, but the 25-year-old Australian says Horsnell’s true character shone brightest in a time of failure rather than success.

In her 143 competitions listed on World Athletics between 2011-2021, McDermott has only failed to clear her opening height once when recording a no height at the 2017 World Athletics Championships. 

“He didn’t waver or become disappointed, the next day we were back at training working on things and discussing what we learned – saying how cool it was to be in the front row at the World Championships,” she said. 

“They are the types of things that I will remember because it’s his character rather than just a success.” 

Matching McDermott’s drive with curiosity and passion, Horsnell has spent years progressing his craft as a coach through data and analysis – yet most of all a love for athletics. 

“Nobody can doubt his passion. He is so consistent in giving 100 per cent every day, he will turn up to training every day regardless of if it’s pouring rain – making sure our technique is good but also cheering us on,” she said.

Conceding that the pair have already surpassed their own expectations, McDermott says that the coming years of her career are about continuing to grow and learn – and most importantly raising the bar on the world stage. 

“Next year is going to be a real test of just how good we can plan and prepare. We are hoping to get more podiums on the international stage, and a new national record to add to what this year was.” 

Hornsell’s squad on the Central Coast is comprised of both high jumpers and long jumpers, with McDermott noting a strong crop of young female athletes as an exciting prospect for Australian athletics. 

By Lachlan Moorhouse, Athletics Australia
Posted: 29/12/2021