Sandro Bisetto

Athletics Australia High Performance Coach Mentor

High Performance Jumps Coach – Melbourne, Victoria

"Continuing the chain of mentoring by fostering personal, trusting, and positive relationships."

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

Mentoring in any form is valuable, and formal mentoring has long been overlooked in our sport, so I welcome this opportunity. I have always enjoyed spending time with other coaches, regardless of event group or experience, as we all have much to learn from each other. I was once a young coach who came across a super talent too early in my career, learning some hard lessons. Fortunately, other coaches mentored me and supported my development. I hope to assist others as best I can by being a helpful guide and sounding board.

2. What You Can Offer the Mentees

I have coached a personal squad of athletes every year for nearly four decades, ranging from international senior athletes to club-level adolescents. This experience has provided me with insights into balancing the needs of athletes with different abilities, ages, and standards within one squad. Additionally, I can share the realities of coaching at the highest level while maintaining a full-time career and family life. I aim to offer insights into achieving a healthy coaching/life balance, setting boundaries, and prioritising personal welfare.

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

I would gain great satisfaction from being involved with like-minded people who contribute to the sport. I look forward to broadening my coaching experience and network while being part of this journey. I believe this program will benefit the sport as it grows and flourishes. After all, I consider athletics to be the "Banner" sport of the Olympics!

Personal Background

• Born in Melbourne in 1956, an Olympic year and in the Olympic city!
• Married to Michele for 40 years in 2025, with two sons – Dan (33) and Nick (31).
• Hobbies: cycling (road, touring, commuter, mountain biking), skiing (cross-country and telemark), cooking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors.

Key Coaching Experience

• Various team coach positions (1988–2024) – specialising in jumps and combined events
• Coaching roles at Olympics, World Championships, World Universiade, Commonwealth Games, World Juniors, and World Youth Championships
• Part-time/casual roles with VIS, Athletics Victoria, and Athletics Australia

Academic and Teaching Career

• Senior Physical Education teacher for 38 years
• Held roles as Director of Sport, Student Learning Coordinator, and Student Teacher Coordinator
• School athletics and cross-country coach across all events

Athlete Squad

Current Main Squad (High Jump):

• Joel Baden (2.33m) – 2016 Olympian; World Championships 2015, 2019, 2023; World Juniors 2012
• Roman Anastasios (2.25m) – Olympic official reserve, 28th in world ranking (2024)
• Oliver (TJ, 27 years), Liam (23 years), Ben (21 years), Eleanor (19 years), Charlotte (14 years)

Recently Retired Squad Members:

• Paulo Conceicao (Portugal, 2.28m), Manjula Wijesekera (Sri Lanka, 2.27m)

Other International Athletes Coached:

• Lisa Bruty (1.90m), David Hay (2.25m), Michael Hawkey (2.20m), David Frazer (2.20m), John Knight (2.20m), Alison Inverarity (1.91m, 1998–1999)

Other Sport Coaching Involvement

Coached various inter-school and club sports, including:

• Volleyball, basketball, water polo, gymnastics, lawn bowls, and cross-country running

Mentor Profile: Alessandro (Sandro) Bisetto | Athletics Australia