John Quinn
Athletics Australia High Performance Coach Mentor
"Coaching is an expression of who a person is."
I have been coaching athletics for almost 40 years, working with athletes from grassroots to elite levels, including athletes with physical handicaps. I have transferred my athletics coaching skills into high-level team sports, contributing to written and presentation resources for coach education in Australia. This mentor program offers a unique opportunity to create an environment of sharing, support, and progress. I look forward to contributing to this significant step forward in coach development while also learning from other coaches.
I offer honest and consistent feedback, challenging norms, and encouraging innovative approaches. I believe in coaching that addresses the physical and personal needs of the athlete. I would help mentees identify and develop their coaching style and provide access to an extensive network of contacts from both the sporting and business world.
I aim to develop my own coaching knowledge and be accountable for another coach's success in terms of performance, preparation, and delivery. This program provides an opportunity to break down the isolation and divisiveness that can exist within athletics and foster a more collaborative and supportive environment.
- Bachelor of Sports Coaching & Exercise Physiology (UNSW)
- Level 5 Sprints and Relays Coach
- Level 4 Middle Distance Coach
- Bachelor of Sports Science – Coaching & Exercise Physiology (UNSW)
- Master of Science & Technology – OHS (UNSW)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Nutrition (Deakin)
- Sprints Coach – Sydney 2000 Olympic Games
- Support Coach – Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
- Team Coach – Paris 2024 Olympic Games (IOC Refugee Program)
- National Network Coach – AIS/TIS (1991–1998)
- Team Coach – Sydney Olympic Games (Sprints & Relays)
- Support Coach – Tokyo Olympic Games (Sprints)
- Team Coach – Paris Olympic Games (Sprints)
- Team Coach – World University Games (1995, Japan; 1997, Italy)
- Team Coach – World Junior Championships (1996, Sydney; 1998, France)
- Numerous Australian development tours to Europe and Asia (1991–1998)
- National Junior Coach – Sprints & Relays (1990s)
- High Performance Manager – Essendon Football Club (1998–2008)
- High Performance Manager – GWS Giants Football Club (2009–2013)
- International Rules Head of Fitness (2001/2002)
- Soccer Australia – Head Conditioner (2006–2010)
- Indian Cricket League – Strength & Conditioning Coach (2009)
- Speed & Agility Coach – Penrith Panthers Rugby League (2022–2024; Premierships both seasons)
- Developed leadership tours for Essendon Football Club to Japan (2005–2007)
- Led the restructure of the Tasmanian Institute of Sport program
- Performance review board-appointed role for GWS Giants (2018)
- Served on the Exercise Sport Science Australia Advisory Board
- Established Coach Mentoring Program at TIS (1996)
- Developed Sport Science Mentoring Program at Essendon FC (2001)
- Mentoring students at The Scots College (Sydney) since 2016
- Mentor in Athletics Australia Coach Mentor Program (2024–Current)
- "The Importance of Differentials in the 400m" – J. Quinn (1991)
- Research on session-RPE training in Australian football
- Studies on hydration status, performance, and injury in elite athletes
- Education & Development Officer – Little Athletics NSW (1985–1991)
- Head Coach – Tasmanian Institute of Sport (1991–1998)
- High Performance Manager – Essendon Football Club (1998–2008)
- High Performance Manager – GWS Giants Football Club (2009–2013)
- Academy Director – GWS Giants Football Club (2015–2019)
- Sprint & Agility Coach – GWS Giants Football Club (2020–Current)
- Speed & Agility Coach – Penrith Panthers Rugby League (2022–2024)