Matthew Horsnell

Australian Athletics · High Performance Coach Mentor

Jumps Coach – New South Wales

"I really enjoy seeing others flourish and together we progress our sport to higher levels."

1. Why You Want to Be Involved in the Mentoring Program

I have been involved as a coach since 1991 and have found that my journey as a coach has allowed me to interact with a lot of coaches, administrators, officials and athletes. These contacts shaped the way I coach throughout my journey, and I appreciated every interaction with people sharing their wisdom and knowledge. I love to share what I have learnt and experienced over my 35 years of coaching. I really enjoy seeing others flourish, and together we progress our sport to higher levels.

2. What You Can Offer the Mentees

Over my 35 years coaching, I have been involved from junior Little Athletics through to progressing athletes to Senior State, National, World University Games, Olympic Games medallists and World Championships gold medallists. I have seen the challenges junior athletes face when trying to move from the junior ranks into the senior competitive environment. With my experience, I feel well placed to offer advice to help others progress their athletes through the difficult stages from junior to becoming successful senior athletes.

I have also been involved in full time work for my complete coaching journey, and I can provide insights into bringing employers along on the journey to help progress elite athletes to higher levels of success.

3. What You Would Like to Gain from Participating in the Program

I would love to see long term growth with the athlete and mentor coach and their interactions along the journey. I will also enjoy learning from the mentor and their experiences. Keeping an open mind about learning from others is very important. In our group we learn a lot about things that do not go to plan, and it is about being adaptable and working through solutions that best suit everyone.

Coaching Qualifications

• Australian Athletis Level 4 High Performance Coach
• ATFCA: Level 3 Jumps
• ATFCA: Level 2 Throws
• ATFCA: Level 2 Sprints and Hurdles
• ATFCA: Level 2 Middle Distance
• Short course: Developing Strength and Power (Latrobe University)
• Mechanical Engineering Certificate (TAFE)
• 3D AutoCAD design drafting certificate
• Advanced Coal Preparation Certificate
• Mineral processing certificate

Key Coaching Achievements and Experience

• Jumps coach, Hunter Academy of Sport (2010 to 2015)
• Jumps coach, Central Coast Academy of Sport (2015 to present)
• NSW TTP coach (2017 to 2019)
• Beijing test event 2007, NSW Athletics Development Squad high jump coach (Trudy Thompson 1.88m PB; Chris Dodd attended at 18 years old)

Last 5 Years Squad Athlete Results

• Coached Nicola Olyslagers from 11 years old through to present, relatively injury free, with personal bests in 15 of the last 16 years
• 2025: Nicola Olyslagers won World Indoor Championships (Nanjing), won Diamond League Final (2.04m Australian Record, Zurich), won Australian Championships for the 7th time, won World Athletics Championships (Tokyo)
• 2025: Emily Whelan (24) PB 1.91, first senior Australian team, represented Australia at Tokyo World Championships, 3rd at Australian National Championships
• 2025: Alex Harrison (22) PB 1.86, represented Australia at Taipei Championships and World University Games (Germany)
• 2025: Katie Gunn (22) PB 6.41, medalled at Open Nationals (6.32), represented Australia in Taipei, won Oceania Cup long jump (Tonga), Australian Athletics U23 development squad
• 2024: Paris Olympic Games, Nicola Olyslagers silver medal; World Indoors Glasgow gold; Australian Championships 1st (2.01)
• 2024: Alex Harrison 3rd at Australian Open Championships
• 2023: Nicola Olyslagers 3rd at Budapest World Championships, 1st at Australian Championships; Emily Whelan 2nd at Australian Open Championships
• 2022: Nicola Olyslagers 5th at World Championships (Eugene), 1st at Australian Open Championships; Emily Whelan 2nd at Australian Open Championships
• 2021: Nicola Olyslagers 2nd at Tokyo Olympic Games, Australian record 2.02; Australian Open Championships 1st, new Australian record, first Australian woman to jump 2.00m

Other Personal Achievements

• Australian Athletics Coach of the Year (2025)
• Sport NSW Coach of the Year (2025)
• Australian Athletics Coach of the Year (2021)

Personal History

• Married to Julianne for 40 years
• Three children: Alice (40), Jess (34), Peter (32)
• Five grandkids, with one on the way due April 2026
• Sporting background: cricket (1970s), squash and surfing (1980s), martial arts (1992 to 2008, black belt, state medals for kata and kumite), Masters Athletics (1996 to 2015, mostly throws)

Other Employment History

• Worked in the mining supply industry for 45 years, including design of basalt and ceramic lined pipe systems, and major process plant solutions and upgrades for turnkey projects
• Currently able to work with Ausenco on project design work, with hours that best suit coaching timeframes

Mentor Profile: Matt Horsnell | Australian Athletics