Brent Vallance

Athletics Australia High Performance Coach Mentor

Brent Vallance – Melbourne, VIC

"Sharing my accumulated real life experience through a long career of high performance coaching."

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

Mentoring has been pivotal in my coaching development. The AIS Scholarship coaching program provided me with hands-on experience and long-lasting mentor relationships. I would like to give back to the athletics community, broaden my network, and continue learning while sharing my accumulated experiences.

2. What I Can Offer Mentees

I bring over 21 years of high-performance coaching experience across all levels, from participation to podium athletes. I offer insights into planning, athlete development, and peer mentoring. My passion for coaching is ongoing, with a focus on preparing athletes for LA 2028.

3. What I Hope to Gain from the Program

My goal is to see Australia’s senior athletics team consistently performing at the highest level. Coaching plays a critical role in achieving this, and I hope to contribute by sharing my knowledge while also gaining new insights from fellow coaches.

4. Personal Background

• Born: 30 April 1972, Perth, Western Australia
• Married to: Dr Amelia Carr – Senior Lecturer in Applied Sport Science, Deakin University
• Children: One son, Roy (3 ½ years old)
• Hobbies: Travel, food, riding, hiking in the mountains, and athletics
• Little Known Fact: Evacuated from Darwin to Perth in 1974 following Cyclone Tracy.

5. Coaching Qualifications

• Bachelor of Sports Science (Sports Coaching Major) – University of NSW
• Level 5 High Performance Athletics Coach (Specialist Coach – Race Walking), Athletics Australia
• Graduate of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Scholarship Coaching Program (2004)
• Graduate of the AIS Podium Coach Program (2018)

6. Coaching Experience

• Coached athletes to 6 Olympic medals across 6 consecutive Olympic Games (2004-2024)
• Coached 4 foreign athletes to Benchmark Event (BME) medals (2019-2023)
• Team Coach at 6 Olympic Games, 6 World Championships, and 2 World U20 Championships
• Extensive domestic and international training camp and competition experience

7. Coaching Employment Experience

• High Performance Athletics Coach – Athletics Australia (2021–Present)
• High Performance Manager – Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Maribyrnong College (2013–2020)
• AIS Senior Athletics Coach (2005–2012)
• AIS Scholarship Coach (2003–2004)

Mentor Profile: Brent Vallance | Athletics Australia