Susan Hobson
Athletics Australia High Performance Coach Mentor
"Sharing lessons from a life dedicated to athletics as an athlete, coach, and mentor."
In 2024, I joined the Athletics Australia Mentoring Program to give back to the sport I am passionate about. The experience has proven to be more than I anticipated—it has helped me grow as well. I continue to assist developing elite-level coaches while learning from each of my mentees. This program has enhanced my skills in mentoring, listening, and strategic planning.
With over 35 years of elite-level athletics experience, I aim to support and offer guidance to developing coaches. My athletics career began with my first national team at age 30 in 1988, balancing international competition with teaching, coaching at the AIS, and motherhood. After retiring from distance running, I shifted to team management, serving as Team Manager/Leader for major international championships between 2009 and 2012.
I’ve worked closely with renowned coaches like Pat Clohessy and Dick Telford, gaining invaluable mentorship. My experiences have taught me that communication, respect, and commitment are key principles across all coaching levels. I may not always have all the answers, but I’m here to support mentees as we work through challenges together.
My primary goal is to contribute to the sport and help mentees navigate challenges I faced in my career. Supporting others and sharing insights provides me with immense satisfaction. I am particularly passionate about the intersection of elite coaching and team management, where I can draw from my diverse experiences.
- AIS Track & Field Scholarship Coach (1993–1995)
- Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching (1994)
- Level 2 Track & Field Coach (1994)
- Bachelor of Physical Education, University of Western Australia (1983)
- Diploma of Health and Physical Education, University of Wollongong (1979)
- Graduate Diploma of Sports Coaching, Australian Coaching Council (1994)
- Team Manager: 2012 London Olympic Games, 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, 2009 & 2011 World Championships
- Team Leader: World Cross Country Championships (2017, 2019)
- National Team Coach: 2006 Commonwealth Games (Distance Coach), Ekiden Relay Teams (1994, 2002)
- Mentor, Athletics Australia Coach Mentoring Program (2024–present)
- Head of Year, various school settings
- Head of Sport, John XXIII College, Perth (2002–2005)
- St Catherine’s School Melbourne (2015–2021)
- Radford College Canberra (2005–2014)
- John XXIII College Perth (2002–2005)
- Ginninderra High Canberra (1985–1992)
- Wagga Wagga High NSW (1980–1983)
- Olympic Games: Sydney 2000 (Marathon), Atlanta 1996 (10,000m, finalist), Barcelona 1992 (10,000m)
- Commonwealth Games: Victoria 1994 (Marathon), Auckland 1990 (10,000m, finalist)
- World Championships: Half Marathon Championships (1993), 10,000m (1991)
- World Cross Country Championships (1989–1993)
- Ekiden Relay Teams (1988, 1990–1992)
- Japanese National Half Marathon Champion (1997)
- 10,000m (1992, 1993, 1994)
- Cross Country (1996)
- Marathon (1997, 2000)
- Athletics Australia Life Member (2014)
- ACT Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2007)
Athletics Australia Committees & Commissions:
- Special Awards Committee (2019–current)
- World Cross Country Championships Advisory Group (2021)
- Appeals Tribunal (2016–2017, 2022)
- International Tours Committee (2013–2016)
- Distance Running Commission / Out of Stadium Committee (1990–1999, 2001–2007)
- Athletes Commission (2001–2005)
Other Committees:
- Athletics International Committee (Vice President 2019–present, Newsletter Editor 2016–2021)
- ACT Athletics Board (2006–2007)
- ACT Academy of Sport Board Member (1994–1999)
- ACT Cross Country Club Committee (1986)