Suzanne Grayson OLY
Suzanne Grayson OLY
Promoting the value of sport through education and participation is a key driver. Suzanne brings years in athletics as an athlete, PE teacher, conditioning coach and mentor for developing coaches, with a strong focus on creating positive and supportive environments for young athletes, particularly those who lack confidence.
Why I want to be a Mentor
Promoting the value of sport through education and participation is a key driver for me. I believe my years in the sport of athletics as an athlete, PE teacher, conditioning coach and mentor for developing coaches provides many experiences and knowledge that can be shared. Supporting new and emerging coaches ultimately strengthens the athletic community and is extremely rewarding to watch others achieve success.
What I can offer Mentee Coaches
As a mentor I bring a diverse range of experiences and a passion for continued learning. The sport of athletics has greatly shaped my identity, and I look forward to giving back to the sport and supporting the next generation of coaches.
Coaching and Academic Qualifications
Current Occupation
- Physical Literacy and Sport Education Coordinator
- School of Sport Education, East Arnhem, Northern Territory
Roles in Athletics
- 2024 and 2025 NT All Schools NT Track and Field Coach
- 2007 to 2015 Track and Field and Cross Country Coach, Dukhan English School
- 2005 Pacific School Games, Team Liaison Manager
- 2001 International Women’s Ekiden Relay Team, Australian Team Manager
- 2000 Youth Junior Olympics, Australian Team Manager
- 1996 World University Cross Country Championships, Australian Team Manager and Coach
Coaching Background, Experience and Philosophy
As a young athlete, my love of the sport evolved, firstly due to being identified and then encouraged to take part
by positive, supportive coaches. This is the environment I endeavour to create in my coaching sessions, particularly
as young athletes may lack confidence and doubt their capabilities.
I have over 20 years of experience driving talent development, coaching excellence, and high performance pathways
within complex educational and athletic environments. Much of my coaching experience has centred around talent
identification within educational settings and then providing a training environment for the student athlete where
the athletes can experience personal achievement and success.
My early coaching experience was coaching myself in cross country, road and track events over distances of 5km to
half marathon as a senior athlete. During that period, I won two National Championships for road and cross country,
placed in multiple championships in all three running disciplines and attained national representation.
Additional coaching experiences include Conditioning and Rehabilitation Coach at VFA and VFL football clubs in Melbourne
from 2000 to 2007. These roles included coordinating pre season training, designing in season fitness schedules and
rehabilitation sessions for a 60 member Australian Rules football squad, and providing match day pre game preparation.
During the same period, I conducted a series of women’s fitness group training sessions, mentoring and coaching women
to achieve fitness and athletic performance goals.
