Justin Rinaldi
Australian Athletics · High Performance Coach Mentor
Middle Distance Coach – Melbourne, Victoria
"Someone who will challenge/motivate you to think bigger and set higher goals, for both you and your athletes."
1. Why You Want to Be Involved in the Mentoring Program
I thoroughly enjoy sharing ideas and passing on the knowledge I’ve gained over the past 30+ years being involved in the sport from coaches and athletes alike, both here in Australia and across the world.
2. What You Can Offer the Mentees
- Practical advice on how to plan both short term (12 months) and long term programs (4+ years)
- Advice on how to balance work, family and coaching
- Someone who will challenge and motivate you to think bigger and set higher goals (for both you and your athletes)
- Problem solving: training plans rarely go to plan, and I love the challenge of turning things around when all seems lost
3. What You Would Like to Gain from Participating in the Program
I also hope to learn and be motivated by other coaches.
Coaching Qualifications
- Level 5
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Business (BBus)
Key Coaching Achievements
- 2025 World Indoor Champion (800m)
- Olympic, World Championships and Commonwealth Games finalists (800m)
- Multiple national record holders (800m): Australia, USA, Ireland and Cook Islands
- Coached 9 athletes under 1:45
National Team Experience
- 2024 Olympic and 2025 World Championships team coach (Middle Distance)
Event Group Experience
- 800m
Experience in Other Sports
- Nil
Leadership Experience
- Led large teams across multiple geographical locations (300+ staff)
Mentoring Experience
- 4 years
Relevant Publications
- A few podcasts (search: Justin Rinaldi 800)
Coaching Employment History
- 1 year as a full time coach (2025)
- 18 years as a part time coach
Other Employment History
- ANZ Bank (27 years): managing large operational teams across Fraud, Collections, Hardship and Deceased Estates
